Ishtiyaq Kar
Jammu Feb 10 (KINS): Senior BJP leader and MLA from Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, has said that the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir into a Union Territory (UT) was necessary to bring normalcy to the region.
In an exclusive interview with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), Pathania asserted that Jammu and Kashmir would regain its statehood, but he refrained from giving a specific timeline. “I can’t say how long it will take. However, you can see that since 2019, there has been control over civilian deaths. There was a sense of security until the National Conference came into power. It was necessary for the Centre to take law and order into its own hands,” he told KINS.
According to the BJP leader, the party has always prioritized the welfare of Jammu and Kashmir. “We even formed a government with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had roots in Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). We also made efforts to hold talks with Pakistan. The All-Party Delegation even tried to meet Syed Ali Geelani, but he refused to open the doors. What followed was killings and bloodshed in Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
Pathania claimed that Jammu and Kashmir is moving in a positive direction, with stone-pelting incidents coming to an end. “It takes time to bring complete normalcy. While occasional terror incidents still occur, the overall situation has improved. The corruption level has significantly declined, and Hawala money transactions no longer take place,” he asserted.
He justified the Centre’s control over law and order, saying that no country would allow “two Pradhans, two Nishans, and two flags” within its territory.
The BJP leader reassured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that their land and job rights would be safeguarded. “We will ensure that no land and jobs are snatched from the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP is committed to their protection,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the BJP’s future in Jammu and Kashmir, Pathania predicted that the party would form the next government and secure seats in Kashmir as well.
“Article 370 is now history. Both houses of Parliament passed a resolution for its abrogation, and the Supreme Court endorsed the decision. The judgment made it clear that there was no special status for Jammu and Kashmir—only temporary special provisions,” he explained.
Pathania also criticized the National Conference (NC), alleging that the party had failed to fulfill its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “The NC needs to understand why Article 370 was abrogated and why the state was converted into a UT. Narendra Modi is everyone’s Prime Minister. In fact, he even celebrated his first Diwali as PM in 2014 in Kashmir,” he recalled.
Responding to questions about the opposition’s stance on new business rules, Pathania slammed the PDP and the People’s Conference (PC) for their objections. “There have been some
modifications in old business rules, which are necessary for running the government effectively. The opposition should focus on development rather than creating unnecessary controversy,” he said.
Commenting on the recent meeting of Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq with Kashmiri Pandits in New Delhi, Pathania said that ensuring their return to Kashmir was a collective responsibility. “It is the duty of everyone to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits to their homeland. The BJP is committed to their safe and dignified rehabilitation,” he added.
On the contentious Waqf Amendment Bill, Pathania assured that the BJP government would not act against any community or religion. “There is no question of harming the interests of any religious group. The government’s aim is to bring transparency and accountability in the management of Waqf properties,” he explained.
Sharing details about his political journey, Pathania revealed that certain incidents had motivated him to enter politics. “I first contested elections as an independent candidate. Then, in 2014, I joined the BJP and won my first election,” he added. (KINS)
