Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Peoples Movement (JKPM) on Monday said that the restoration of Pre- August 2019 special status of J&K is vital to ensuring lasting peace in J&K.
Speaking to party members, JKPM Senior Vice-President Advocate Syed Iqbal Tahir said 5 August 2019 will go down as the darkest day in the history of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as the centre abrogated special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into Union Territories. He said that the illegal abrogation of special status has resulted in the loss of social and political rights of the people of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh, and the region’s cultural identity.
Iqbal Tahir that while the Centre tried to justify the decision of abrogation by claiming that it would end decades-long militancy, separatism and corruption in the region and bring development, jobs and prosperity, However, after one year it is crystal clear that the justifications given have proved to be a mirage and the claims a hoax.
Welcoming the formation of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration of which JKPM is also a constituent, Iqbal Tahir advised the government to shun its muscular policy of domination and instead start respecting the sentiments of the masses who have been deeply alienated due to the abrogation of special status. “The alliance is meant for the people of all religions, communities and regions of J&K,” he said and added “the said the alliance is able to mark a new beginning in J&K towards the restoration of special status and permanent peace in the region.”

KR Desk