Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 12: Terming Article 370 as bridge between J&K and Union of India, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs & Information Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that this bridge need to be strengthened more for strengthening the bond between J&K and Union of India.
While speaking during release of book ‘Commentary on J&K Constitution’ in Urdu compiled by Advocate S. Sundar Lehar and published by Jay Kay Law Reporter, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said J&K Constitution was drafted as per Article 370 of Indian Constitution. He said that this Article provides special status to Jammu & Kashmir which has own Constitution, State Flag and Ranbir Panel Code.
The Minister said that since J&K has been given special powers under Indian Constitution so everybody must respect Indian Constitution and try to safeguard the special provisions enshrined in the Indian Constitution for Jammu & Kashmir. He said that Article 370 is bridge and it has bonded relations with Union of India. ”We need to strengthen this bridge so that to strengthen the bond”, Zulfkar said adding that this Article provides atmosphere for cordial State – Centre relations and every citizen must respect it.
Commenting on the necessity of separate Constitution for Jammu & Kashmir, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali said that during the British period, the state of Jammu and Kashmir was ruled by a hereditary king and like many rulers Maharaja Hari Singh joined Dominion of India by signing the Instrument of Accession on October 26, 1947. He added that it is a historical fact that the accession was confirmed after the condition that Jammu and Kashmir would be governed by different rules to be framed by the Constituent Assembly which were framed and inserted in Article 370 of India Constitution. He added that this Article is very important and it must be safeguarded and strengthened more to keep the bond of state and Union intact.
On the occasion, Sunil Gupta, Managing Director Jay Kay Law Reporter was also present and he highlighted the importance of Book on the occasion.
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