JKNEWS TODAY
Jammu, June 19:
National Conference on Friday called for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35 A which werre abrogated on August 5 last year , in a political move to re-establish its rapport with the people in Kashmir .
In a joint statement in Srinagar on Friday , the party president and formerChief Minister Farooq Abdullah and other prominent leaders , demanded that the ” unconstitutional move” of August 5 last year should be annulled.
The statement said that there is ” need to restore special status of Jammu and Kashmir and the constitutional guarantees extended from time to time under binding covenants, unconstitutionally, arbitrarily and unilaterally taken away on 5th August 2019. “
The party also saw change in BJP leadership, particularly defence minister Rajnath Singh and Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari’s statement that said that India doesn’t eye the territory of China and Pakistan.
The statement also welcomes the bold admission made by the leader of Mr Gadkari’s stature that while he and his colleagues want to make India strong but “ the strength does not come from expansion” and that they want “peace not violence” and to “work together.”
The statement also notes with satisfaction the change from a hostile and aggressive posture that would day in and day out call for armed adventure across LoC, to a conciliatory posture advocated by Sh Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister in his Jan Samvad address to party cadres. It is stated that mere statements to create an atmosphere of “peace, love and amity” however are to have no meaning unless GOI respects the political aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The statement underscores the need to restore special status of Jammu and Kashmir and the constitutional guarantees extended from time to time under binding covenants, unconstitutionally, arbitrarily and unilaterally taken away on 5th August 2019.
The signatories to the statement have expressed deep anguish over skirmishes on LoC and LAC and the consequent loss of life and property. The civilian population in the border areas, it is pointed out, is under huge economic stress and the border skirmishes are to further compound its problems. It is stated that revocation of 5th August 2019 decisions and unconditional dialogue with all the stakeholders is pivotal to the lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
The statement demands immediate annulment of all the 5th August 2019 decisions and restoration of the 4th August 2019 constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.
The statement also calls for opening of all traditional routes including Kargil- Skardu, Jammu- Sialkot, Poonch – Rawalakot, to allow free movement of people across LoC and LAC and to promote people to people contact and strengthen inter- regional trade and cultural links.
