Art-370 abrogation anniversary: BJP celebrates, opposition denounces the move

Srinagar, Aug 05: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday celebrated 5th anniversary of Article 370 abrogation in Srinagar and hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision of absolute integration of J&K into the Union of India.

Several BJP activists led by party spokesperson Altaf Thakur held a celebratory event at party headquarters here in Jawahar Nagar Srinagar wherein the decision of August 05, 2019 was hailed.

The party activists on the occasion chanted slogans, saying the decision ensured absolute merger of Jammu & Kashmir into the Union of India.

They said the courageous decision of PM Modi led government in 2019 put end to terrorism in the region and paved way for a peaceful atmosphere in J&K.

Meanwhile several J&K opposition parties criticized BJP on its August 05. 2019 decision, and alleged their leaders have been locked up at homes to stop them from voicing their concern.

National Conference (NC) said the blatant suppression of mainstream democratic activities post August 05, 2019 serves to showcase the administration’s underlying fear and exposes the hollowness of their claims of progress over the past five years.

“The Government has once again unjustly placed our leaders under house arrest. This blatant suppression of mainstream democratic activities only serves to showcase the administration’s underlying fear and exposes the hollowness of their claims of progress over the past five years,” JKNC in a statement said.

It said, “August 5, 2019, remains a stark reminder of the disempowerment of the people of J&K, a process that continues unchecked with the absence of a democratically elected government in the region”.

“The unilateral and undemocratic decisions made on August 5, 2019, are a betrayal of the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir by New Delhi. These decisions are unacceptable to the people of J&K, as demonstrated by the recent parliamentary election results in the region,” the statement said.