SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (PC) president and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone on Wednesday described the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A on August 5, 2019, as a “historic betrayal” and reiterated his demand for the restoration of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Marking seven years since the constitutional changes, Lone said August 5, 2019, would continue to be remembered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir as a day of “disempowerment and political betrayal.”
“August 5, 2019 was a brutal coup against the people of J&K. It will be held with contempt and disdain by the people of J&K for all times to come,” Lone said in a statement.
The Peoples Conference chief said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, followed by the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories, stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its constitutional guarantees and political status.
He termed the downgrading of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory as an additional blow to the people, saying it deepened the sense of political alienation and injustice.
Appealing to the people across the country to reflect on the historical context of Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India, Lone said the constitutional safeguards were part of commitments made to the people at the time of accession. He alleged that those assurances had been steadily diluted over the years before being completely removed in 2019.
Expressing hope for the future, Lone said the people of Jammu and Kashmir should regain their constitutional and democratic rights as an entitlement rather than as a concession.
“I hope for the day when the people of J&K will be empowered again, as a matter of right, and not as a matter of charity,” he said.
