Early Times Report
PALAMPUR, May 9: The Hon'ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 was a landmark and historic step towards justice for the long-suffering Valmiki community of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the community had endured 70 years of injustice, denial of rights, and exclusion under the shadow of the special provision. He stated that with the scrapping of Article 370, the Valmiki Samaj of J&K would finally receive their rightful place, dignity, and equal opportunities as citizens of India. The Governor was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day 19th National Convention of the Akhil Bhartiya Valmiki Mahasabha at the auditorium of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur. Earlier, he formally inaugurated the convention by lighting the ceremonial lamp and paying floral tributes to Maharishi Valmiki and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Addressing a large gathering of delegates, social activists, scholars, and members of the Valmiki community from across the country, Governor Kavinder Gupta said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the bold and historic decision to abrogate Article 370, thereby ensuring justice and constitutional rights to all sections of society in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the deprived communities such as the Valmikis, West Pakistan refugees, and Gorkhas. He recalled that thousands of Valmiki families brought to Jammu decades ago were deprived of basic rights and opportunities despite serving society with dedication and honesty.
The Governor said that today, after the abrogation of Article 370, the Valmiki community in Jammu & Kashmir is living a dignified life and enjoying equal rights at par with other citizens of the country. |
