The demand for statehood restoration in Jammu and Kashmir has gained momentum, with senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad leading the charge. Azad, a former Chief Minister of the state, has been vocal about the need to restore statehood to the region, which was revoked in 2019. The move has been met with widespread criticism from various political parties and civil society groups, who argue that it was a unilateral decision that undermined the region’s autonomy. Azad’s call for statehood restoration has been supported by several other political leaders, including those from the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party. The demand has also been backed by various civil society groups, who argue that statehood is essential for the region’s economic and social development. The issue of statehood has been a contentious one in Jammu and Kashmir, with many arguing that it is essential for the region’s identity and autonomy. The region has been under central rule since 2019, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the helm. The BJP has argued that the revocation of statehood was necessary to integrate the region with the rest of India and to promote economic development. However, critics argue that the move has led to a decline in the region’s autonomy and has undermined the rights of its people. The demand for statehood restoration has also been linked to the issue of Article 370, which was revoked by the BJP government in 2019. Article 370 granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution and laws. The revocation of Article 370 has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it was a violation of the region’s rights and autonomy. The issue of statehood restoration is likely to remain a contentious one in the coming months, with various political parties and civil society groups continuing to push for its restoration. The BJP government has so far refused to budge on the issue, arguing that the revocation of statehood was necessary for the region’s development. However, with the demand for statehood restoration gaining momentum, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing pressure. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are eagerly waiting for a resolution to the issue, with many hoping that statehood will be restored soon. The region’s economy has suffered significantly since the revocation of statehood, with many businesses and industries struggling to survive. The restoration of statehood is seen as essential for the region’s economic development and for promoting peace and stability in the region. The international community has also been watching the situation in Jammu and Kashmir closely, with many expressing concern over the human rights situation in the region. The United Nations has called for the restoration of statehood and for the protection of human rights in the region. The European Union has also expressed concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, calling for a peaceful resolution to the issue.