Delhi conference demands restoration of democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir

By A Representative

A conference held in the national capital to mark six years since the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A in Jammu and Kashmir strongly criticised the central government for what was described as a "colonial" approach towards the region and its people. The event was organised by the United Peace Alliance in collaboration with the Socialist Party (India).

Speakers at the gathering called for the immediate restoration of democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They argued that the August 5, 2019 move to revoke the special status of the region was carried out without the consent of its people and raised serious legal and constitutional concerns, which, according to them, were overlooked by the Supreme Court.

Quoting prominent legal experts and retired judges, several speakers expressed concern over the top court’s endorsement of the government’s actions, calling it a “unilateral decision” that undermined federal principles.

The event also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian concerns in the region. Participants referred to the recent “Operation Sindoor,” alleging that over 2,000 individuals, mainly youth, had been detained arbitrarily. They warned that such measures would only deepen alienation and unrest in the region.

The conference called for the resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan to resolve all pending issues, including Kashmir. Speakers emphasised that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have borne the burden of conflict for over seven decades and urged for a peaceful and durable resolution.

Among the key speakers were Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, former MP Muhammad Adeeb, Syeda Hamid (former Planning Commission member), Muzaffar Shah (Vice President, ANC), OP Shah, Shashi Shekhar Singh, Rita Manchanda, Muntazir Mehdi, Dr. Sandeep Pandey (General Secretary, Socialist Party), Daya Singh, ID Khajuria, Sr. Narender Singh Khalsa, Vishwatma, Talib Hussain (tribal activist), Syed Tahsin Ahmed, Shahnawaz Mir, Ruman Mecci, Jalil Rathore, Dilshad Qadri, and Tanvir Hussain, among others.

The Socialist Party (India), which co-hosted the event, reaffirmed its commitment to democratic values and peaceful dialogue in resolving the Kashmir issue.

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