By Special Correspondent

New Delhi: On the second anniversary of   the unilateral abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution, the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) issued a statement terming the Modi government’s decision as “the unprecedented assault on the constitution of India”. It also said “the hoax of BJP’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ is a joke now” and the decision made people of Kashmir more distanced from the rest of the country. The Gupkar Alliance said the Government of India would realize the futility of its decisions viz a viz August 05 2019.

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 The statement issued by PAGD Spokesperson M.Y.Tarigami highlighted following points:

1-August 05 marks the completion of two years   since the unprecedented assault on the constitution of India was taken to nullify Article 370 of the constitution – thereby damaging the very bond of our relationship with the union of India. By demolishing the constitution of Jammu & Kashmir by the Government it   has crossed all the limits of constitutionality

2-Downgrading historic state of Jammu & Kashmir   and dividing it  into two separate  union territories  without the consent of the  people and also ignoring  the   Resolution adopted by  J&K legislature  on 03  March  2004  to preserve the unity and the secular character  of  Jammu & Kashmir state has  set a precedent that any state can cease  to exist  as a state and can be carved up into any number  of fragments any time , by placing it under Governors Rule. Thereby the very existence of a state becomes a matter of central discretion, a substantial step towards a unitary state.

3 -The abrogation of Article 35 A made the status of permanent residents redundant.  Protection of Jobs and   land rights was removed arbitrarily which deepened the alienation and sense of insecurity in all the regions. The economy of J&K has virtually collapsed   as tourism, trade agriculture, horticulture and Handicraft sectors were badly hit. Employment opportunities are shrinking. Is Corruption any less and Governance any better?  The fact remains that not a single claim stands the test of scrutiny.

4-A process of throttling of democracy and democratic rights was initiated. The clampdown and continuous restrictions on the movement and association of the people and gagging the media has resulted in forced silence.

5-Over the last two years it has become amply clear why the GOI was so insistent  on taking such drastic unlawful measures. During these two years we have seen that people of J&K are being ripped apart into smaller units, ripped off their jobs and rights over the natural resources that are theirs. Unconscionable suppression of civil and democratic rights continues unabated. indiscriminate arrests  and  harassment  of all sections  of our people including  employees  on different pretexts continues   and  issuing  dictates  like  the recent one not to provide clearance  for passport  and govt. services   anyone involved in  “ law and order and stone pelting  cases” is one more addition . “Adverse police report “cannot be a substitute for being found guilty in a court of law. This amounts to violation of the most sacred principles of the justice system.

6-The hoax of BJP’s ‘Naya Kashmir’ is a joke now. The people have started questioning those in authority as to what they have achieved by destroying Naya Kashmir which came into being through a protracted historic struggle of the people of Jammu & Kashmir.  And empowered the people of all the regions   and communities with dignity by liberating them from the shackles of authoritarian monarchy and ruthless feudalism.

7-It was hoped   that the Govt of India would realize the futility of its decisions viz a viz August 05 2019. The recent participation of J&K Leaders with the PM was a leap of faith on that hope but none of the measures required to begin rebuilding the shattered confidence of the people of J&K has been taken. J & K remains as far from Delhi and from the Dil /heart of India as it has ever been.  Rather the distances are further widening and disheartening is deepening.

 We earnestly appeal to all sections of our people in each region and community to   remain united and not to fall prey to the false and slanderous campaigns and divisive attempts aiming at dividing and disarming our people. We are sure that at this time of serious crises we shall not succumb but continue our struggle in defense of our rights using every opportunity through peaceful and legal means.”