Reverse August 5, 2019 order as first step towards CB: Sajjad Shahhen

Ramban, Aug 04: Senior National Conference (NC) leader and District President Ramban,  Sajjad Shaheen, today called for reversal of August 5, 2019 order as a first step towards confidence building (CB) in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a press note, he was addressing a block-level meeting at Gandhari. He  strongly advocated for the immediate reversal of the August 5, 2019 orders that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.  Shaheen emphasised that this reversal is essential as a first step towards rebuilding trust and confidence among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The reversal of the August 5, 2019 orders is not just a political demand; it is a crucial Confidence Building Measure that can begin to heal the wounds inflicted on our people. Restoring the special status of Jammu and Kashmir is vital to reestablishing the trust between the people and the government,” the NC leader said. He urged party cadres to unite in their efforts, stressing that the NC is committed to leading this crucial fight for the rights and dignity of the region.

Shaheen reflected on the rich legacy of the National Conference, recalling the leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Omar Abdullah, who all played pivotal roles in defending the autonomy and special status of Jammu and Kashmir. He called on the younger generation to understand the importance of this struggle and to actively participate in the movement to restore the region’s rightful position.

Addressing the economic turmoil that has followed the August 5, 2019 decisions, NC leader noted the widespread suffering among businesses, small traders, and ordinary citizens. He pointed out that the economic hardships are deeply intertwined with the political decisions made on that day. “Reversing the August 5 orders is the first step towards economic recovery and the restoration of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

Shaheen also criticised the current administration for its neglect of rural communities, highlighting the delays in processing old age pension applications and the alarming rise in unemployment. He called on the government to take immediate action to address these issues, while also urging the youth to join the National Conference in its struggle for justice and the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

He asked the party workers to reach out to the youth and empower them politically to become opinion makers and stake holders in finding solutions to these problems. He also Urged the party cadres to prepare for the upcoming Assembly elections, Shaheen called on them to work tirelessly at the grassroots level to ensure NC's victory and stressed the importance of unity and dedication in achieving this goal.