The forum also backed statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. SRINAGAR: The Forum for Human Rights in J&K has called for full restoration of statehood and repeal of 2019 Reorganisation Act, cautioning that linking statehood to the security situation and terrorist attacks could erode democratic rights in the Union territory.It presented its annual report “Seven Years Under Union Rule — With a Special Section on Ladakh & Pakistan-held Territories of J&K (Aug 2025–July 2026)” to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, PDP president and former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, CPM’s MY Tarigami and Congress’s J&K president Tariq Hamid Karra.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesThe forum said arguments that restoration of statehood is “not appropriate” because of security concerns and terrorist attacks are dangerous and could be used to undermine people’s democratic rights.It also backed statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.It praised J&K HC for a series of orders quashing detentions under Public Safety Act and granting bail under UAPA and PSA “…but we are constrained to note that its repeated strictures do not appear to have led to course correction by police,” the report said.The forum, an informal group of concerned citizens, is co-chaired by former Union home secretary Gopal Pillai and Radha Kumar, a former member of the group of interlocutors for J&K. The report also alleged a familiar backlash against Kashmiris after terrorist attacks, including the recent Red Fort blast in New Delhi, saying they faced housing discrimination, forced evictions, aggressive verification and hostility from neighbours, shopkeepers, and co-workers.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With Govt123PhotostoriesHow Sridevi turned the chiffon saree into Bollywood’s most iconic fashion statement10 unique baby girl names inspired by rare and lesser-known flowersFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
SRINAGAR: The Forum for Human Rights in J&K has called for full restoration of statehood and repeal of 2019 Reorganisation Act, cautioning that linking statehood to the security situation and terrorist attacks could erode democratic rights in the Union territory.It presented its annual report “Seven Years Under Union Rule — With a Special Section on Ladakh & Pakistan-held Territories of J&K (Aug 2025–July 2026)” to National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, PDP president and former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti, CPM’s MY Tarigami and Congress’s J&K president Tariq Hamid Karra.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
The forum said arguments that restoration of statehood is “not appropriate” because of security concerns and terrorist attacks are dangerous and could be used to undermine people’s democratic rights.It also backed statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.It praised J&K HC for a series of orders quashing detentions under Public Safety Act and granting bail under UAPA and PSA “…but we are constrained to note that its repeated strictures do not appear to have led to course correction by police,” the report said.The forum, an informal group of concerned citizens, is co-chaired by former Union home secretary Gopal Pillai and Radha Kumar, a former member of the group of interlocutors for J&K. The report also alleged a familiar backlash against Kashmiris after terrorist attacks, including the recent Red Fort blast in New Delhi, saying they faced housing discrimination, forced evictions, aggressive verification and hostility from neighbours, shopkeepers, and co-workers.
