Srinagar, Oct 15: The key political parties of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday demanded government of India to return to “people of Jammu and Kashmir the rights they held before August 5” and a dialogue with all stakeholders involved in problem of J&K for its “quick resolution.”
The political parties also named their alliance as “People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration,” for taking forward the “constitutional battle”.
“Our battle is constitutional battle. We want government of India to return to people of Jammu and Kashmir all the rights they held before August 5, 2019,” said Farooq Abdullah who was accompanied by Mehbooba Mufti, Omar Abdullah, Sajad Gani Lone, Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami and others, after the meeting hosted by him at his residence here.
“We have named our alliance as People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration,” he said , adding, “Also at the same time political issue has to be resolved as quickly as possible with all stakeholders to the problem of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful means.”
The participants also greeted former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti who was released Tuesday after 14 month’s captivity.
“I want to tell you that the meeting took place as Mehbooba Mufti was released after 14 months. We greeted her. We will meet again and at the same time we will meet the people of other regions.”
Farooq Abdullah also demanded release of all those political leaders and activists in prison.
The Gupkar declaration is a resolution that was passed on August 4, 2019 —by the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, Congress, People’s Conference, and smaller parties including Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) of Engineer Rashid, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Movement of Shah Faesal, and some smaller parties—to defend J&K’s special status.
A day later, on August 5, 2019, the BJP government revoked Article 370 amid arrests of thousands of people including three former chief ministers and enforcing a security and communication lockdown.
The Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) President G.A. Mir was not in attendance at the meeting of political parties.
“In view of the visit of newly AICC I/C for J&K Smt. Rajni Patil, I remained engrossed with party meetings, followed by huge public gatherings during last 8 days in Jammu as well as In Kashmir,” Mir said in a statement, “In this context, I was advised by the Doctors to undergo a through Medical Check besides Covid- examination, as a result, I was not able to attend all Party meeting at the residence of Former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah.”
He said it was advisable to get self screened in order to clear the apprehensions. “I have also conveyed this medial urgency to Farooq Saheb on Phone,” he added.
