Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, June 9: Senior National Conference leader and Member Parliament, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, today said he would participate in the party’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, but would use the platform to press for the restoration of Article 370 and the constitutional safeguards that were revoked in 2019.
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Speaking to reporters in Pulwama after holding a Public Darbar, the MP said the people of J&K had entrusted their elected representatives with the responsibility of fighting for the restoration of Article 370 and the protections guaranteed under the Constitution.
“I will definitely go and talk about Article 370 while others may talk about Statehood,” he said.
Ruhullah maintained that the struggle for the restoration of J&K’s rights should not be limited to a one-day protest, saying the proposed demonstration should develop into an “well-organised and sustained movement.”
He said the campaign should seek not only the restoration of statehood but also the return of the constitutional protections that were taken away following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.
The NC leader also raised concerns over the continued detention of young people without trial, describing it as an “injustice” that undermines the prospects of lasting peace in the region.
“There are many youngsters in jails without trials. Real peace can only come when justice prevails,” he said.
Referring to what he described as a series of “continuing injustices”, Ruhullah cited recent allegations from Pulwama where farmers were reportedly prevented from cultivating paddy land.
He said depriving people of their rights over land was a matter of serious concern.
Ruhullah also claimed that employment opportunities traditionally reserved for residents of J&K were no longer adequately protected.
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