Awami Itihaad Party Backs National Conference Protest, Calls for Broader Rights Restoration

New Delhi, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Awami Itihaad Party Backs National Conference Protest, Calls for Broader Rights Restoration

Srinagar: Jailed MP Baramulla Er. Rashid, through his legal team, has reiterated his firm commitment to fight for the legitimate rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and assured them that he would be the last person to compromise his conscience. The statement was made public during a press conference organised by the Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) in Srinagar. The press conference was addressed by AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, who was accompanied by Vice President Adv. G. N. Shaheen, General Secretary Prince Parveez, State Secretary Sheikh Ashiq and PS to MP Baramulla Firdouse Baba. Inam Un Nabi read out the message sent by Er. Rashid from Tihar Jail.

Reading out Er. Rashid’s message, Inam Un Nabi quoted him as saying, “I do not want to add bitterness towards anyone, but before asking AIP to support its protest for the restoration of statehood, the National Conference leadership needs to be reminded of its intentional and organised betrayals, which the party indulged in to sabotage AIP’s sincere and much-needed initiatives, including the clemency resolution for Afzal Guru in the Assembly, protection of the Right to Eat, observance of State Flag Day, declaring 7th June as a State Holiday and protecting the human rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

The National Conference (NC) has been a significant political force in Jammu and Kashmir for decades, and its leadership has often been scrutinised for its political strategies and alliances. The NC and the other constituents of the so-called Gupkar Alliance have been accused of wilfully helping the BJP Government strengthen its narrative and shift the goalposts by confining themselves only to the demand for restoration of statehood. Although the restoration of statehood is a legitimate demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, critics argue that the NC has failed to pursue the larger political aspirations of the people.

The NC's historical context is essential to understand the current political dynamics. The party has traditionally championed the cause of autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir and has often positioned itself against the central government's policies that it perceives as undermining the rights of the region's residents. The NC secured an absolute majority in the 2024 Assembly elections, promising to fight for the restoration of autonomy in its original form, in accordance with the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 1999. However, many voters and political observers believe that the party must not forget that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have made significant sacrifices not merely for the restoration of statehood but for the full spectrum of their legitimate rights.

Inam Un Nabi's comments reflect a growing sentiment among various political factions in Jammu and Kashmir that the NC's focus on statehood alone is insufficient. He pointed out that while other regional parties, especially those in the Gupkar Alliance, are justified in questioning the National Conference for limiting its demands, they too owe answers to the people regarding their contributions toward restoring rights, including Statehood, Article 370, and Article 35A. The critique suggests that these parties cannot simply deflect responsibility by criticizing the NC while neglecting their failures and lack of initiative.

In this politically charged atmosphere, the Awami Itihaad Party has positioned itself as a champion of the people's rights. The AIP's leadership argues that the current regional parties have left the people of Jammu and Kashmir vulnerable to the central government's policies. They assert that even a small positive initiative deserves support in the larger interest of the people. The AIP has called for the BJP Government to have restored Statehood immediately after the 2024 Assembly elections, and they believe that the National Conference should have insisted on Statehood restoration before forming the Government, as proposed by the AIP.

To express solidarity with the National Conference’s proposed protest on July 20, Er. Rashid announced that he would observe a day-long hunger strike and walk barefoot to Parliament on July 21. This act of protest is intended to emphasize the need for a meaningful, time-bound, and result-oriented dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as other legitimate stakeholders.

However, AIP’s support for the July 20 protest should not be misconstrued as an endorsement of the National Conference’s perceived weak and diluted political stand on various legitimate issues. Inam Un Nabi reiterated that the Awami Itihaad Party has always stood for the restoration of the complete political and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He recalled that AIP had previously led a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding not only the restoration of full Statehood but also the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A, revocation of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), release of political prisoners, revocation of the termination of government employees, an end to the demolition of residential houses, withdrawal of the indiscriminate use of the Public Safety Act (PSA), and the restoration of all democratic and constitutional rights of the people.

Inam Un Nabi expressed that while the National Conference’s decision to protest for Statehood is welcomed, he believes that “Omar Abdullah’s step is too little, too late.” He articulated that restricting the struggle to Statehood alone amounts to ignoring the larger aspirations and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, which the AIP has consistently championed both inside and outside Parliament. This sentiment resonates with many who feel that the political discourse in Jammu and Kashmir needs to be broadened beyond mere statehood to encompass the full spectrum of rights and autonomy that the region's residents have historically sought.

As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, the implications of these protests and political statements are significant. The ongoing dialogue regarding the restoration of statehood, autonomy, and the rights of the people will likely shape the future political strategies of various parties, including the National Conference and the Awami Itihaad Party. The response from the central government will also be crucial in determining the next steps for these regional parties and their constituents.

In conclusion, the current political situation in Jammu and Kashmir is marked by a complex interplay of demands for rights restoration, statehood, and autonomy. The Awami Itihaad Party's support for the National Conference's protest highlights a critical moment in the region's political discourse, as various parties navigate their roles in advocating for the rights of the people while also addressing their internal challenges and criticisms. The path forward will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and action that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.