SRINAGAR: In a fresh move that underscores persistent concerns over the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Conference, and independent lawmaker Sheikh Khurshid have jointly introduced a new resolution. This initiative aims to strengthen the previous stance taken by the ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC), which had passed a similar resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
The newly proposed resolution strongly condemns the “unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation” of Article 370 and Article 35A, as well as the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. The signatories assert that these actions have stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and statehood, undermining the constitutional guarantees originally accorded to the region and its people.
The resolution calls for the immediate restoration of Articles 370 and 35A in their original, unaltered form. Additionally, it demands the reversal of all changes introduced by the 2019 Reorganisation Act. The leaders behind the resolution urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu and Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions intended to preserve its unique identity, culture, and political autonomy.
The joint resolution by political figures in Jammu and Kashmir to formally record their condemnation of the August 5, 2019 decision, which many local leaders view as a serious infringement on the region’s autonomy.
“In light of the weak and compromised resolution that appears to ratify the August 5, 2019 decision, we have submitted a fresh resolution for the House’s consideration,” Parra told reporters. It has been signed by Sajad Lone (PC), Waheed Parra, Fayaz Mir (PDP) and Sheikh Khurshid, Engineer Rashid’s brother, who is an independent MLA from Langate.
“This House strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped Jammu & Kashmir of its special status and statehood, undermining the foundational guarantees and protections originally accorded to the region and its people by the Constitution of India,” the resolution reads. “This House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unaltered form, and calls for the reversal of all changes introduced by the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. We further urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions and guarantees intended to preserve its distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy.”
The ruling JKNC piloted the resolution on Wednesday. It has triggered a ruckus and the assembly is now getting gradually back to routine after at least one adjournment so far. Various lawmakers within and outside JKNC regretted the word “concern” in the JKNC resolution that the house adopted with everybody’s support expecting BJP.
The resolution stated: “That this Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal.”
It continued, “The Assembly calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with the elected representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees, and to work out constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.”
It concludes with the passage: “This Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
