Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 30: Bharat Bangladesh Pakistan People’s Forum (BBPPF) has termed snatching of special status of J&K illegal and also against the wishes of people.
“Article 1 of Indian Constitution provides that India is union of States… and that under federal system states must have more powers for a strong cohesive nation as it exists in United States of America,” said Sheikh Abdul Rehman, ex-MP and senior vice-president of BBPPF Indian Chapter, in a press conference held here today after attending 3-day Tri-National Peace Conference at Kolkata.
He said in the Tri-National Peace Conference, abrogation of Article 370 and 35A pertaining to J&K was discussed at length and BBPPF expressed concern as to why the special status having some inherent powers, was snatched from J&K state and further reduced to mere Union Territory, which was never demanded by the people of Jammu or Kashmir. “It is an arbitrary attack on the federal system of the country endangering its unity,” he added.
The former MP said that the detention of leaders of mainstream political parties, strengthened the ideology and hands of separatists’ and reversibly weakened the thoughts of mainstream leaders and their political parties. Further, conducting BDC elections in a hush hush manner clearly demonstrates that these elections were held not to benefit the masses but only BJP as only 36% electorate participated in BDC elections.
Hailing Kashmir people for adopting Ghandhian philosophy of non-violence during last about 3 months bearing all odds, Rehman, on behalf of BBPPF said Government of India should reconsider the decision, restore mobile facilities with internet as also restore J&K’s state status. He also urged upon the Government to start bi-lateral talks.
Rehman said in Kolkata Peace Conference, it was resolved that Kashmir Solidarity Day will be observed on November 13 all over the country.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
