Srinagar July 23 (KNS): Radha Kumar, former government interlocutor and co-chair of the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday said that the revocation of J&K’s statehood was unconstitutional and called for its immediate restoration in the current session of Parliament.

Speaking at the sidelines of the “Statehood Now” public meeting held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, Radha said both the government and judiciary were aware of the legal concerns surrounding the move made in August 2019.

“We believe that the removal of statehood was unconstitutional. We also believe that the court and the government know that it was an unconstitutional act. That is why we believe that statehood should be given back in this session of Parliament like it was before August 9,” she said.

Radha also said that restoring statehood is essential for ensuring accountable governance in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that an elected government would allow people to demand answers and push for solutions.
“If they come, the people of Kashmir will get an accountable administration, one on whom they can put pressure,” she said.

She also demanded the revival of critical oversight institutions including the Human Rights Commission, Women’s Commission, Child Rights Commission, and Vigilance Commission, stating that these bodies are necessary for democratic functioning and citizen protection.

“Accountable governance is the most important thing, where the problems of the people should be solved,” she added.

Radha further said that land rights could only be guaranteed under a full statehood structure.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelShe cited examples of other hill states that have enacted protective land laws through their legislative assemblies.

“If you have complete statehood, the MLA Assembly can bring a law on land protection. Himachal Pradesh has done it easily. Uttarakhand has done it. Kashmir can also bring it,” she added.

On the issue of special status, Radha said that although restoring Article 370 may take time, constitutional options such as Article 371 or amendments to existing clauses could be considered.

She urged lawmakers to focus on statehood first as the foundational step.
“370 is still there. Its clauses have gone, but you can bring them back. But to bring that back, it will take time. So we think that bringing back statehood is the first step. After that, there should be legislation and special status,” she said.

The “Statehood Now” meeting was attended by sitting Members of Parliament, political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, and civil society representatives.

A petition signed by 122 former senior civil servants, retired military officers, academics, and rights activists was submitted to MPs in support of the demand for statehood restoration.

Radha Kumar previously served as one of three interlocutors appointed by the Union Government in 2010 to initiate dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir. She now co-chairs the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir, a group that monitors governance and rights developments in the Union Territory.(KNS)