news details |
|
|
| BJP usurped constitutional, democratic rights of J&K people: Sadhotra | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 8: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today flayed the BJP for usurping the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir by unilaterally altering the constitutional and political position of the erstwhile State.
Addressing meeting of party workers at Vikas Colony Ward No. 59 in Jammu North Assembly Constituency, the meeting was organized by Advocate Ashwani Kumar Bhagat and Lal Singh, Mr Sadhotra said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been deprived of their historic rights and safeguards through the decisions taken by the BJP-led Government at the Centre in August 2019.
He said the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A and the subsequent reorganization of the State had fundamentally reduced the historic State of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory.
"Article 370 and the constitutional safeguards associated with it gave the people of Jammu and Kashmir a distinct constitutional identity and protected certain rights which had evolved over decades. These safeguards were not gifts from any government. They were part of the constitutional arrangement under which Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India," Sadhotra said.
Referring to the historical background of State Subject laws, he said Maharaja Hari Singh Ji had introduced safeguards to protect the interests of the people of the State, particularly their rights over land, employment and other matters.
He said the State Subject regulations were rooted in the circumstances of the time and were intended to protect the interests of the people of all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of religion or caste from economic and demographic pressures.
"The Maharaja had recognized the need to protect the legitimate interests of his subjects. These safeguards reflected the concerns of the people regarding their land, livelihood and future. With the passage of time, these arrangements acquired constitutional protection through the special constitutional position enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir," he said.
Sadhotra said the National Conference had consistently maintained that the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir could not be addressed through unilateral decisions or by weakening democratic institutions.
He said the downgrading of the State into a Union Territory had deprived its people of the full political status enjoyed by other States of the Union.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir got an elected popular government but with dual control which is unconstitutional. Full statehood and adequate constitutional and administrative powers are matter of right of the people. Democracy cannot be reduced to merely holding elections while keeping substantial powers outside the elected government," he said.
Sadhotra also criticized the continued delay in restoration of full statehood, saying the people had been waiting for the commitment repeatedly made by the BJP leadership.
He said the restoration of statehood was not a concession to any political party but a democratic right of the people.
"The people of Jammu and Kashmir have contributed immensely to the unity, integrity and security of the nation. They have made sacrifices for India and have every right to expect dignity, democracy and constitutional protection in return," he said.
Sadhotra said the National Conference would continue to raise the issues of restoration of statehood, democratic rights and protection of the interests of the people through constitutional and democratic means.
He urged party workers to remain connected with the people and highlight their concerns with responsibility and restraint.
He said Jammu and Kashmir's diversity, history and constitutional journey demanded a political approach based on dialogue, accommodation and democratic institutions rather than confrontation.
"Restoration of statehood is the first essential step towards restoring confidence. Jammu and Kashmir needs empowerment of its people, strengthening of its elected institutions and respect for its constitutional history," Sadhotra said.
Others who spoke on the occasion are Ayesha Gupta Incharge Women Wing of Jammu North Assembly Constituency, Sandeep Singh Manhas Incharge 14 Municipal Wards of Jammu North Assembly Constituency, Vishawjeet Singh Samyal, Renu Kumari, Balbir. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
