Ruling National Conference sets up human rights wing in J&K

While reiterating the demand for restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, ruling National Conference (NC) on Monday (June 23, 2025) announced a human rights cell to be headed by former Member of Parliament and retired judge Hasnain Masoodi.

“There was a need to have a human rights cell. The cell will document cases of rights violations and see if any intervention is required. It will ensure the human rights of locals are protected,” Mr. Masoodi told The Hindu.

The setting up of the cell assumes significance because the domain of law and order and security of the Union Territory (UT) lies with the Lieutenant Governor.

The human rights cell was announced by party chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah after a meeting in Srinagar. “The human rights wing will have two co-members too. It was very important to have a human rights wing,” he said.

‘Statehood is the right of people, not favour’

Meanwhile, reiterating the demand of Statehood, Dr. Abdullah said, “Statehood is the right of the people of J&K, not a favour.”

He rejected rumours about conditional restoration of Statehood.

Tanvir Sadiq, NC leader and MLA, said there is absolute unanimity when it comes to the question of Statehood. “While the Opposition and we may often be at odds, take jabs at one another, and remain politically competitive, I firmly believe that when it comes to the question of Statehood, there is absolute unanimity. Whether it’s BJP, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Conference, or any other party, all agree that Statehood is our legitimate right and must be restored without any further delay,” Mr. Sadiq said.

The NC said there was an attempt to create an atmosphere of confusion by those “who benefit from the dual power structure, those who thrive in the shadows of uncertainty and chaos”.

“These are the very elements who deliberately float such misleading narratives not just to undermine the sentiments of the people, but also to cast aspersions on the Hon’ble Supreme Court, the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and the sanctity of Parliament itself where it [restoration of Statehood] was promised,” Mr. Sadiq said.