Srinagar. July 15, 2026 : Senior Congress leader Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday urged the National Conference (NC) to broaden its political campaign beyond the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and also demand the reinstatement of the region’s special status under Article 370.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the residence of late NC leader and former minister Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, who passed away on Tuesday, Soz said the people of Jammu and Kashmir should prioritize the restoration of their constitutional autonomy.
“The National Conference should not talk only about statehood at Jantar Mantar. Our issue is not just statehood,” Soz said.
He argued that Union Territory status is temporary and expressed confidence that Jammu and Kashmir would eventually regain statehood.
“Who can permanently snatch statehood? Whether it is the Prime Minister or the Home Minister, no one can keep Jammu and Kashmir a Union Territory forever. This is a temporary arrangement,” he said.
Calls for Restoration of Article 370
Soz maintained that the real issue for the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of internal autonomy, urging political parties to continue demanding the return of Article 370, which granted special constitutional status to the erstwhile state before its abrogation in August 2019.
He cautioned against conveying a sense of hopelessness to the younger generation regarding the restoration of constitutional rights.
Reflects on Jammu & Kashmir’s Accession
Referring to the historical context of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India, Soz said the decision taken under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was based on the belief that the state’s future lay within a secular India.
He added that while remaining an integral part of India, Jammu and Kashmir’s internal autonomy should, in his view, be restored.
No Invitation for NC Protest
When asked whether he had been invited to participate in the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Soz replied that he had not received any invitation.
Political Background
Saifuddin Soz, a former Union Minister, was previously associated with the National Conference. In 1999, while serving as an NC Member of Parliament during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, he defied the party whip and voted against the government during a confidence motion, contributing to its defeat by a single vote. He was subsequently expelled from the NC and later joined the Indian National Congress.
The National Conference has announced plans to protest in New Delhi, demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, while Soz has called for the movement to also focus on restoring the region’s former constitutional status under Article 370.
