Shah asserted that there exists a “difference of heaven and earth” between the National Conference led by Dr. Farooq Abdullah and the ideological framework he claims to represent.

 

Emphasizing that his struggle is not centered on the demand for statehood, Shah reiterated that the core political objective must remain the restoration of Article 370, Article 35A, and the erstwhile flag of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

He accused the National Conference of reneging on its own manifesto commitments, stating that the party had promised immediate action on the restoration of these constitutional provisions but has since “shifted the goalpost.” Warning of long-term consequences, Shah cautioned that such deviations could create “massive difficulties” for future generations.

 

Terming the discourse around statehood as “mere political rhetoric,” Shah argued that multiple national parties, including the BJP and the Congress, have echoed similar assurances, reducing the issue to a widely repeated political slogan. He further noted that the Union leadership has already assured restoration of statehood at an “appropriate time,” questioning the urgency with which it is being foregrounded over other constitutional concerns.

 

Referring to legal proceedings, Shah highlighted that the demand before the Supreme Court was to seek a clear definition of the “shortest possible time” for the restoration of statehood, as assured by the Union government.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe maintained that pursuing legal clarity on this front remains a legitimate constitutional right.

 

Invoking the legacy of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah, Shah accused the current National Conference leadership of straying from its foundational philosophy. He questioned whether the sacrifices of those who endured imprisonment and persecution were being honored in spirit, asserting that the party’s original program never envisaged sidelining Article 370 in favor of statehood.

 

Criticizing the strategy of sequencing statehood before constitutional restoration, Shah warned that such an approach risks indefinite delay. He stressed that the movement for Article 370 must remain central and uncompromised, drawing parallels with the sacrifices made by past generations.

 

Shah also expressed disappointment over the absence of a unified call to commemorate the martyrs of July 13, 1931. Underscoring the historical significance of their sacrifice, he remarked that the political leadership today owes its position to the legacy of those who laid down their lives.

 

In a broader appeal, Shah echoed recent sentiments expressed by religious and political leaders, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, asserting that the restoration of constitutional rights must take precedence over all other political narratives. 

 

He called upon the National Conference to introspect and realign with what he described as the “true program” of Sher-e-Kashmir, centered on Article 370 and 35A. (KNS)