New Delhi: Newly elected Members of Parliament from the National Conference (NC) have used their maiden speeches in the Rajya Sabha to strongly advocate for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The MPs, Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan and Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, took the opportunity to remind the central government of its promise to the people of J&K. Gurwinder Singh Oberoi, the third NC member, also took his oath.

Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, in his first address, highlighted the current power dynamics in the region, where the elected government possesses limited authority, with most powers residing with the Lieutenant Governor (LG). He expressed his concern over the situation, emphasizing that despite the people giving a two-thirds majority to the NC, paving the way for a popular government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the real power remains with the LG. "I would like to say here with great sorrow that all the power is in the hands of LG (Lieutenant Governor)," Ramzan stated. He also voiced strong dissatisfaction over the limited powers of the elected J&K government.

Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, speaking after taking his oath, acknowledged the significant participation of the people in the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as the first of their kind in 30 years. He focused on the promise of statehood to J&K and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah "to give the status of a state as soon as possible and complete the mission of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ji, the mission of humanity, democracy and Kashmir".

The NC has been persistent in its demand for the restoration of statehood. The party's working committee had earlier passed resolutions reaffirming their commitment to restoring Article 370 and special status, considering it central to the aspirations and dignity of the people. They have also urged the Union government to fulfill its commitment, made in Parliament and reiterated in the Supreme Court, to restore full statehood to J&K without delay.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed Mr. Ramzan's speech and said "Well done...Ch Mohd Ramzan for using the first available opportunity to remind the union government of its promise about restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir," on X. NC chief Farooq Abdullah also extended his wishes to the newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs and said "they will work for the best interests of people of Jammu and Kashmir".

The restoration of statehood has been a long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The NC leadership has expressed hope that the central government will take positive steps in this direction. They have also avoided confrontation with the Centre, hoping that this approach would result in the restoration of statehood and allocation of generous funding to J&K.