Srinagar, March 03: Peoples Conference (PC) Senior Vice President, Abdul Gani Vakil, has said that the central government’s decision to amend the constitutional provisions applicable to J&K has undermined the special status enjoyed by the state.
Reiterating his strong objection to the Union Cabinet’s decision to amend the Constitution Order, 1954 he said that “Peoples Conference condemns the ‘unethical’ amendment passed by the Union Cabinet in absence of an elected government. Continuing on this ‘dangerous trend’ will have disastrous consequences on the special relation between J&K and the Union of India.”
Blaming National Conference, Congress and PDP for having diluted J&K’s special status in the past he said that “successive NC, Congress & PDP governments have eroded the best part of Article 370 by making 42 constitutional amendments since 1954. Now they are trying to hoodwink the people by shedding crocodile tears. Farooq Abdullah talks about safeguarding Article 370 but is in coalition with a party which is responsible for eroding and undermining the special identity of the State by abolishing the posts of Prime Minister and President of the State.”
Abdul Gani Vakil also opposed Centre’s decision to ban activities of JeI and arresting JeI workers en mass. “It is imperative to provide space for opposing thoughts and ideologies in a democracy. Banning of Jamaat-e-Islami will further undermine the democratic process in J&K minimize any chances for peace and reconciliation in the valley. The central government instead of taking concrete measure to restore peace in the valley is cracking down on opposing political ideologies. This will only further distance the people of Kashmir from mainstream India which is against the interest of the state and country. The government must revoke this ban at the earliest,” he added.
