Abrogation of Art 370, 35-A deprived J&K of identity: Azad

Jammu, Feb 18: Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad Sunday criticised the present ruling dispensation for abrogating Article 370 and 35-A, which, he alleged, “deprived J&K and its people of their identity and rights.”

While addressing a public meeting at Paloura in Jammu organised by DPAP provincial general secretary advocate Maheshwar Singh, Azad said the government of the day took certain steps which were certainly appreciable.

“I would not say that whatever they did was bad. They have constructed AIIMS, IIT in J&K. Terrorism has declined. One does not witness Hartals (organised strikes) now. All these are positive developments. I welcome them as they all are in the interest of J&K and its people,” he said.

While acknowledging the government's efforts in certain areas, the former Chief Minister, in the same breath, also criticized the revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A, terming it as a “blunder.”

“But I will call a spade a spade. I would not hesitate in enumerating their bad decisions even. They abrogated Article 370. That was a very bad decision as it robbed J&K of its identity. They scrapped Article 35-A. It was against very bad step as it was detrimental to the interests of J&K people. The ruler of erstwhile J&K state Maharaj Hari Singh through his notifications in 1927 and 1932 introduced State Subject laws to protect exclusive rights of J&K people vis-à-vis lands and jobs. The abrogation of these Articles took these exclusive rights away from J&K citizens,” Azad said.

“J&K people have been suffering for the past seven decades or so. They have been witnessing skirmishes, wars since 1947. Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir constitutes not just parts of Kashmir, Ladakh but also parts of Rajouri, Poonch and Chhamb. When it was in 1947, 1965, 1971 or 1999 Kargil war, the people, mainly the border population of J&K, have been the main sufferers. Even in normal times, people living along borders (International Border or Line of Control) in Akhnoor, Chhamb, R S Pura, Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Poonch do witness ceasefire violations. Cross-border firing, shelling result in loss of lives and properties. One must keep in mind all these facts. Hence, exclusive rights to land and jobs are imperative for them to lessen their miseries. If DPAP comes to power, we will work to bring a law to protect job and land rights for people here, ensuring that no outsider can purchase land or secure jobs in J&K,” the former Chief Minister assured.

He, however, asserted that since 2014, many good steps had also been taken. “The credit for which should not be taken away from the ruling dispensation. This is the basic difference between me and other political opponents of the government of the day. I appreciate good steps and at the same time mince no words in condemning wrong steps. If they have done something appreciable, they should be patted but if they have faltered, it should also be pin-pointed. That is real politics,” the former Chief Minister sought to strike a balance.

He also emphasised the importance of voting for development and rejecting parties, which he alleged, were “dividing people in the name of religion.” He highlighted the necessity of prioritizing development agendas over divisive politics.

Azad stressed the importance of working for the welfare of all people, stating, “As the Chief Minister, I never discriminated against anyone on the basis of religion or caste.” He highlighted his track record of initiating projects in both Jammu and Kashmir regions, underscoring his commitment to equitable development.

Former Chief Minister reiterated that he would restore the Roshni scheme if DPAP came to power. He emphasised its importance for equitable land distribution and development in the region.

Azad asserted that after experiencing the performance of various other parties, people should critically analyse DPAP’s track record and his tenure.