Jammu, Oct 8 (KNS): National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra on Thursday accused the BJP of depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their constitutional and democratic rights by unilaterally altering the constitutional and political status of the erstwhile state in August 2019.

According to a statement issue, Addressing a meeting of party workers at Vikas Colony, Ward No. 59, in the Jammu North Assembly constituency, Sadhotra said the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A and the subsequent reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir had deprived its people of longstanding constitutional safeguards and reduced the erstwhile state to a Union Territory.

The meeting was organised by Advocate Ashwani Kumar Bhagat and Lal Singh.

"Article 370 and the constitutional safeguards associated with it gave the people of Jammu and Kashmir a distinct constitutional identity and protected certain rights which had evolved over decades. These safeguards were not gifts from any government. They were part of the constitutional arrangement under which Jammu and Kashmir became an integral part of India," Sadhotra said.

Referring to the historical background of State Subject laws, the NC leader said Maharaja Hari Singh had introduced safeguards to protect the interests of the people, particularly their rights over land, employment and other matters.

He said the regulations were intended to safeguard the interests of people across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of religion or caste, against economic and demographic pressures.

"The Maharaja had recognised the need to protect the legitimate interests of his subjects. These safeguards reflected the concerns of the people regarding their land, livelihood and future. With the passage of time, these arrangements acquired constitutional protection through the special constitutional position enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir," he said.

Sadhotra said the National Conference had consistently maintained that the rights and aspirations of the people could not be addressed through unilateral decisions or by weakening democratic institutions.

Criticising the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory, he said the move had deprived its people of the full political status enjoyed by other states.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir got an elected popular government but with dual control which is unconstitutional. Full statehood and adequate constitutional and administrative powers are a matter of right of the people. Democracy cannot be reduced to merely holding elections while keeping substantial powers outside the elected government," he said.

The former minister also criticised the delay in restoring full statehood, saying the people were still awaiting the fulfilment of commitments repeatedly made by the BJP leadership.

He asserted that restoration of statehood was not a concession to any political party but a democratic right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir have contributed immensely to the unity, integrity and security of the nation. They have made sacrifices for India and have every right to expect dignity, democracy and constitutional protection in return," he said.

Sadhotra said the National Conference would continue to raise issues concerning restoration of statehood, democratic rights and protection of people's interests through constitutional and democratic means.

He urged party workers to remain connected with the public, understand their concerns and highlight issues responsibly and with restraint.

Emphasising the need for dialogue and democratic engagement, he said Jammu and Kashmir's diversity, history and constitutional journey demanded an approach based on accommodation and strengthening democratic institutions rather than confrontation.

"Restoration of statehood is the first essential step towards restoring confidence. Jammu and Kashmir needs empowerment of its people, strengthening of its elected institutions and respect for its constitutional history," Sadhotra said.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Ayesha Gupta, in-charge of the Women's Wing of Jammu North Assembly constituency; Sandeep Singh Manhas, in-charge of 14 municipal wards of Jammu North Assembly constituency; Vishawjeet Singh Samyal, Renu Kumari and Balbir. (KNS)