Gupkar Alliance passes resolution demanding restoration of Article 370

Srinagar/ New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) The Gupkar Alliance, a platform that includes the NC, PDP, Congress and Left parties, on Tuesday passed a unanimous resolution demanding restoration of Article 370, and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“Unconstitutional decisions of August 5, 2019 taken in the Parliament to nullify Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution of India and the damaging legislation which dismembered the historic state and created two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh – has created a big political void and deep uncertainty in the erstwhile state,” said a resolution passed by the Gupkar Alliance, signed by its spokesperson and CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami.

A meeting of the alliance was held in Srinagar on Monday.

“It is most unfortunate that the judicial challenges against this abrogation as a violation of the Constitution continue to remain pending before the Supreme Court even after two years,” the resolution said.

The resolution demanded that “Statehood as it existed prior to August 5, 2019 must be restored, all political prisoners must be released immediately and indiscriminate use of draconian laws must be put to an end.

“We assure our people that we shall remain on their side under all circumstances for their better future and dignified life,” the resolution said.

The resolution also said suppression of civil liberties and democratic rights continues unabated in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Attack on democratic rights under the draconian laws like UAPA/PSA continues as hundreds of people remain under detention without even charges being framed. New orders are being passed like non-clearance for passports and government services to anyone involved in ‘law and order’ or ‘stone pelting cases’,” it said.

It also said “nothing substantial” emerged after Prime Minister’s ‘Dilli ki Doori and Dil ki Doori’ slogan during his meeting with J&K leaders in Delhi around two months ago.

“No confidence-building-measured have been taken to provide some relief to distressed people of the region”.

Article 370 was abolished taking away the special status of Jammu and Kashmir after Parliament passed a Bill on August 5, 2019. The state was bifurcated in two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration is an electoral alliance between the several regional political parties in Jammu and Kashmir including the National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Congress and Left. Former J&K chief minister and NC leader Farooq Abdullah is the president of the alliance, formed in October 2020, to demand restoration of Article 370 and 35A.