Hakeem calls for aggressive democratic struggle to seek restoration of pre Aug 5 , pre- 1953 position in JK

Srinagar : Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Saturday resolved to extend it’s unequivocal support to any move aimed at restoring special position of Jammu and Kashmir as it existed before August 5 and before 1953 .
“Resolution to this effect was unanimously adopted at the political affairs committee (PAC) of Peoples Democratic Front held on Saturday to discuss prevailing socio-political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and evolve an appropriate response and future strategy to meet the emerging political situation” reads a statement issued here on Saturday from the Peoples Democratic Front. The meeting was Presided by Chairman, PDF, Hakeem Yaseen.
The meeting resolved that PDF will continue its struggle to get back all the constitutional rights and guarantees of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which were taken away illegally from time especially post August 5 last year . The meeting resolved that whosoever will work for bringing special position of jammu and Kashmir especially Article 370 and 35(A) back will get it’s unconditional support. The meeting observed that special position particularly Article 370 & 35(A) was given to the people of the state by Constitution but the way these constitutional guarantees were usurped under well planned conspiracies for getting political mileaga , it has left the people in total disarray . The people of Jammu and Kashmir feel that their unique identity, honour and future has been taken for ever which has deepened the crisis of alienation to an alarming level wherefrom a comeback seems to be a remote possibility.
The PAC observed that though PDF was not part of Gupkar Declaration earlier but in view of emerging consensus for a joint strategy to seek restoration of special position of the state, it was ready to extend its support to any such move based on sincerity of purpose. He said it was crystal clear that people of Jammu and Kashmir want full restoration of their lost identity and special status guaranteed to them under the Constitution of India at the time of accession of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union Of India adding that onus lies on mainstream political parties to come up to their expectations and aspirations.
PAC urged the Central leadership to honour and respect the aspirations and sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir on protection to their unique identity , by rising above vested political considerations, so as to overcome the simmering political disengagement and disenchantment prevaling among the people in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting observed that the political disenchantment and alienation among the people of Jammu and Kashmir has reached to a saturation level and they have virtually lost trust in the institutions of governance and political process, which needs to be addressed immediately, in the overall interests of the country. In addition , restoration of a meaningful political process and establishment of a democratically elected civilian government was utmost need of the hour as the people are badly suffering due to a wide disconnect with the bureaucracy. It was observed that Central Government should, without waiting any more, fulfill its promises made to the people of the state from time to time on restoration of their constitutional rights and guarantees .
The PAC also observed that constitutional changes effected by the Central government unilaterally in August last year has not only stripped Jammu & Kashmir of its special status and identity but also snatched exclusive rights of its permanent residents over jobs and their domicile rights . It was observed that despite passing of one year of scrapping of Art. 370 , the things have worsened to an alarming level and no development has taken place on ground as was promised by the center at that time to justify their move . On the other hand, people are full of anger and hatred against union of India. So Center should forget about its plans to change demography of the state through undemocratic means,the meeting maintained.
PAC of PDF has viewed with deep concern economic distress confronting people of jammu and Kashmir due to government clampdown post August 5 last year and now due to continued coronavirus lock down since March this year. It has made a fervent appeal to Center to announce a special economic package for the worst affected tourism, fruit and transport industries of Jammu and Kashmir as an international relief measure to to bail out them . It also urged the central government to waive off kisaan credit card loans of farmers under interest waiver scheme for hoteliers, sumo and Matador owners and fruit traders.
It was noted that tourism sector alone in Jammu and Kashmir has suffered colossal losses to the tune of Rs 1168 Cr since last year. According to an official report by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), the Kashmir economy lost over Rs 18,000 crore in the 120 days after August 5, 2019. This, added to estimated losses of another Rs 13,200 crore during the 49 days of the COVID-19 lock down till May 12, brought the cumulative loss to J&K’s economy to a staggering Rs 31,200 crore or around 17% of JK’s GSDP. The repercussions have been devastating. Businesses have suffered huge income losses resulting in widespread bank defaults, rampant job cuts and foreclosures.
The meeting enjoined upon the Center to release all political detenues lodged in various jails of the country including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to facilitate a fresh political process in the troubled state.