SRINAGAR: Participanats invited to a seminar by the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party (DSSP) demanded a separate state for Jammu, a statement issued by the party led by Lal Singh said.
On August 6, 2023, a one-day seminar was organised by the Dogra Swabhiman Sangathan Party (DSSP) at Hotel Ritz Manor in Chhanni. Titled Jammu in the Present Context and a way Forward, the seminar saw prominent intellectuals, lawyers, social activists, and members of social organisations of Jammu come together for a day-long brainstorming session.
During the seminar, the participants collectively decided to intensify their campaign for “Jammu as a Separate State.” Distinguished speakers, including Former Justice JP Singh, Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jammu Prof R D Sharma, Prof Hari Om, Senior Advocate KS Johal, Advocate AK Sawhney, and Advocate Tarlok Nath, expressed their views on the seminar’s topic.
The discussions were divided into two sessions—one focused on politico-cultural issues, and the other on legal matters. The speakers emphasised that the demand for Jammu as a separate state of India is justifiable and adheres to all the norms and guidelines laid out in the Indian constitution for creating new state units.
The lack of an elected government in Jammu was identified as a significant challenge, with the region often facing the consequences of law and order problems in Kashmir. The speakers argued that the Government of India should address these issues in Kashmir without impeding the civil and democratic rights of the people of Jammu.
Dr Hari Dutt Shishu, the General Secretary of DSSP, in his welcome address, highlighted the party’s efforts to unite the people of Jammu and find a permanent solution to their issues through the establishment of Jammu as a separate state.
Thakur GS Charak, Chairman of Dogra Sadar Sabha, Jammu, commended DSSP for creating a platform to preserve Jammu’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen its people. He pledged support for any initiative that serves the interests of Jammu and the Dogra community.
Throughout the seminar, participants emphasised the need to restore the Dogra Certificate and state subject to preserve the unique Dogra identity and ensure their survival.
The speakers also highlighted the communal harmony and cultural diversity exemplified by Jammu and the importance of preserving mother tongues to safeguard cultural empowerment.
The delay in holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir was lamented, and advocates called for the formation of a separate Jammu state under Article 371, with necessary modifications to protect its identity and culture.
Former J and K High Court Justice JP Singh, in his closing remarks, urged the people of Jammu to passionately advocate for their demands and viewed the downgrade of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory as unconstitutional.
Ch Lal Singh, expressing confidence in the endorsement of the top intellectuals for the separate state demand, assured that DSSP would vigorously pursue the campaign for Jammu’s rights, Dogra Certificate, and jobs for locals.
Others who attended the seminar included former IGP Johny Williams, Rajiv Chuni, Chairman of SOS International, Advocate Tarlok Nath Gupta, Advocate BS Jamwal, and Smt Kanta Andotra, former MLA and President of DSSP, also shared their thoughts during the seminar.
