Jammu and Kashmir Minister Mir Saifullah Pledges to Fight for Return of Special Status and Separate Flag

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference minister Mir Saifullah said the party has pledged to fight for the return of the snatched special status and the separate flag for the region. Speaking at a rally in Kralpora of the Trehgam constituency in Kupwara on Monday, November 9, 2026, he stated that the struggle for their return has already begun.

Background

Mr. Saifullah is a legislator from north Kashmir's Kupwara district and was inducted into the Cabinet of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 27. During the rally, he recalled that the National Conference originally secured the pre-1953 status, Article 370, and a separate flag for Jammu and Kashmir.

Statements

Criticising the events of August 5, 2019, Mr. Saifullah said Kashmir was reduced to a Union Territory brazenly and termed the downgrading an injustice. He added that the party founder, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, was responsible for multi-dimensional development in society, including building schools, hospitals, roads, universities, and water supply networks.

Context

The demand to restore Jammu and Kashmir's special status and statehood remains a central theme in regional politics following the constitutional changes made in August 2019. The National Conference continues to position itself as the primary political force advocating for these governance and identity changes.