Congress seeks restoration of status quo ante in Jammu and Kashmir

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 21

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 24 J-K outreach the Congress has demanded repeal of JK Reorganisation Act, 2019, and restoration of status quo ante in the erstwhile state.

Status quo ante—return to the pre-August 5, 2019 position—is also what the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration has been seeking.

This means restoration of special status and full statehood.

Congress veteran and CWC member P Chidambaram on Monday said, “Congress Party’s position that full statehood must be restored to J&K should clear any doubt or ambiguity. What was made under the Constitution cannot be unmade by an Act of Parliament misinterpreting and misusing the provisions of the Constitution.”

He said the dismembering of J&K has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the cases are pending for nearly two years.

“In the Monsoon session, Parliament should repeal the offending laws and restore the status quo ante in J&K. That is the only way to draw the starting line for a political resolution of the Kashmir issue. J&K was a ‘state’ that signed an Instrument of Accession and acceded to India. It must enjoy that status forever. J&K is not a piece of ‘real estate’.  J&K is ‘people’. Their rights and wishes must be respected,” Chidambaram added.

The National Conference has challenged the JK Reorganisation Act in the Supreme Court and the matter is pending.