GCC Demands Urgent Restoration of J&K Statehood: A Call to Uphold Democratic Aspirations
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh December 23,2024 ||
The Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) of Jammu and Kashmir, a collective of prominent civil society members, has expressed grave dismay over the continued delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. This demand, reinforced by the Supreme Court’s ruling in December 2023, calls for statehood to be reinstated “at the earliest and as soon as possible.” The GCC has urged the Union Government to prioritize this issue, warning of the adverse consequences of prolonged inaction.
In a statement issued today, the GCC criticized the current governance model in J&K, describing the “dual control” system as a flawed diarchy that has led to fragmented and ineffective governance. According to the group, this governance scheme has disrupted administrative coherence, undermined development, and adversely affected the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Burden of Delay on the People of J&K:
The GCC emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been subjected to an unjustifiable lack of representative governance for over six years. The group highlighted that the region, which was downgraded from a state to a Union Territory in August 2019, has since been denied the democratic framework that allows citizens to elect leaders who are accountable to them.
Calling for immediate action, the GCC stated, “The Union Government must respect the democratic aspirations of the people and restore full statehood in right earnest. Only then can a newly elected government be held accountable for addressing the legitimate demands, expectations, and aspirations of the people.”
The group also warned that further delays would not only erode public confidence but could also have broader socio-political and economic repercussions for both J&K and the country. “By restoring statehood,” the GCC argued, “the Union Government will restore to the people their fundamental right to have a responsible, responsive, and empowered government, as is the norm across other states of the country.”
A Call for National Unity and Political Consensus:
In addition to its appeal to the Union Government, the GCC urged all political formations across the spectrum to rise above partisan considerations and come together to advocate for the restoration of statehood. The group reaffirmed its trust in the assurances provided by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister in Parliament, where both had committed to restoring J&K’s statehood.
“The need of the hour,” the statement read, “is for all political parties and civil society groups to join hands and present a united front. This is not merely a regional issue but a matter of national importance, where democratic principles and the aspirations of the people must take precedence over political expediency.”
Restoration as a Path to Stability and Progress:
The GCC further elaborated on the broader implications of statehood restoration, asserting that it is essential for fostering political stability, economic growth, and social harmony in the region. Without statehood, the group argued, governance in J&K remains disjointed, leaving critical issues of accountability and public trust unaddressed.
The statement concluded by reiterating that the restoration of statehood is not just a legal and constitutional obligation but also a moral imperative. It called upon the Union Government to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values by acting decisively and promptly to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The GCC’s appeal comes at a critical juncture, as public sentiment grows increasingly restless over the prolonged delay in restoring statehood. The group’s voice adds to the chorus of demands for a return to representative democracy in Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the urgent need for action to address this long-pending issue.
Sajad Gani Lone
