People’s Conclave Calls for Restoration of J&K’s Special Status, Criticizes Government for ‘Betrayal

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

JAMMU FEB 02:-Over 120 prominent leaders, activists, academicians, and senior journalists from various sociopolitical organizations convened at the People’s Conclave today to deliberate on the prevailing political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The event, organized by Dr. Safeer Choudhary under the banner of the United Peace Alliance, was hosted at his office in Jammu.

The five-hour-long discussions extensively covered the sociopolitical challenges of the conflict-ridden region, with participants unanimously demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status, which they argued was “illegally and unconstitutionally” revoked by the central government on August 5, 2019.

Speakers at the conclave criticized the ruling dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir for abandoning their promises to fight for the region’s identity and special status. They urged the elected representatives to show courage in negotiations with the Union Government, particularly on issues of statehood and autonomy.

“The conduct of elections in Jammu and Kashmir was nothing more than an eyewash,” the speakers asserted, adding that the true restoration of democracy remains a distant dream for the people of the region.

Several notable figures addressed the gathering, including former IPS officer Syed Afadul Mujtaba, former judge and ex-MLA Muzzafar Iqbal Khan, former Advocate General Syed Jameel Kazmi, activist Miss Laxmi Dutta, CPI(ML) leader Subash Mehta, and student activist Er. Ehtisham, among others. Representatives from various districts, including Ganderbal, Chenab Valley, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kathua, Budgam, and Shopian, also participated in the discussions.

The conclave concluded with a strong call for political unity among stakeholders to push for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s rights and democratic processes.