New Delhi, July 24, 2025 : In a passionate speech at the “Statehood Now” rally held at the Constitution Club of India, National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah issued a strong call for the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, warning that the country was drifting from its democratic and secular ideals.
“This is not the India I grew up in, and I refuse to accept it as my India,” Dr. Abdullah declared, criticising the Centre’s handling of Jammu and Kashmir post-Article 370 abrogation. The event, organised by the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, provided a platform for Dr. Abdullah to express deep concern over rising communalism, erosion of democratic institutions, and the marginalisation of minorities.
“I am a Muslim, and I will remain one. But I am an Indian Muslim—not a Pakistani Muslim. When will you begin to trust the Muslims of India?” he asked, drawing applause from the crowd.
He lamented the alienation of minorities, Adivasis, and backward communities, stressing that India’s foundational values were being undermined. Recalling his father’s words on the sanctity of the right to vote, Abdullah asked, “Where is our Constitution today? Where is our democracy?”
Calling the 2019 revocation of J&K’s special status unconstitutional, he asked, “Who gave you the right to take away our statehood? Did you consult the people? Was the Assembly in session?” He also alluded to statements from the then-Governor, questioning the transparency of the move.
Rejecting the argument that Article 370 hindered development, Abdullah reminded the audience that “Kashmiris chose Gandhi, not Jinnah,” and now feel betrayed.
He warned that Jammu and Kashmir is being used as a “testing ground” and said the Centre’s approach could threaten the federal structure of other states too.
Drawing a parallel with the 1975 Emergency, he said, “That lasted 18 months. This—under BJP—has stretched over 11 years. How long will you keep hiding the truth from the rest of India?”
