Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Dispelling the self generated impression that the whole of the legal fraternity in J&K is with separatists and stone-pelters, Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu today disassociated itself from Kashmir Bar’s motivated demand that the Government of India needs to hold talks with separatists to resolve the Kashmir issue.
“India is the only stakeholder in J&K, which is politically, legally and constitutionally an integral part of India”, said president of the Jammu Bar Senior Advocate B S Slathia while addressing a press conference here.
“Article 1 of the Indian Constitution and Section 3 of the J&K Constitution unambiguously spell out that J&K is an integral part of India and those who are questioning the political/legal status of J&K vis-à-vis India, are only advocating the pernicious two-nation theory, which no nationalist in J&K would ever endorse”, he said.
He made it clear that Jammu Bar has nothing to do with what the JKHCBA, Srinagar has stated in its SLP filed in the Supreme Court, adding “Srinagar Bar’s stand was a contributed view, which both legally and ethically holds no ground and deserves condemnation from one and all in the country”.
“People of J&K are stakeholders only as far as the issues of governance and development are concerned,” Slathia said, adding “as regards Kashmir’s situation, the Jammu Bar stands with and for unity of India and its integrity”.
He welcomed Supreme Court’s observation that no talks could be held with those demanding “Azadi” and “separatists” and that there was no problem if the elected representatives in J&K wanted to discuss with the Union Government, the governance and developmental issues.
“Jammu Bar expects Kashmir Bar to rise to the occasion and ensure working with a mindset which is useful in stopping the stone-pelting menace”, Slathia further said, adding “Jammu Bar represents the nationalist mindset of J&K and therefore feels that Army and paramilitary forces must be given a freehand to retrieve the situation”.
He expressed the hope that New Delhi would rise to the occasion and discharge its obligation towards the nation and extended the Jammu Bar and legal fraternity’s unflinching support to the armed forces involved in anti-terrorists / anti-separatist operations in the State and other parts of India.
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