Srinagar, July 30 -- More than 120 prominent individuals including former bureaucrats, diplomats, journalists, academicians, and civil society members have jointly called on Members of Parliament to press for the immediate and full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The petition, dated July 27, highlights growing concern over the prolonged loss of statehood and the continued governance of Jammu and Kashmir as two Union Territories. The signatories argue that this arrangement undermines federal principles and has deepened the alienation among people in the region.

"We are writing to request you to seek the immediate and full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir," the letter to MPs states, copy of which lies with KNS....