Kashmiri Pandit Sabha snubs CM Omar for observing 5 August as “Black Day”
The Kashmiri Pandit Sabha, Jammu, in a meeting held here today under the chairmanship of its President, K. K. Khosa, has strongly criticized the decision of the Union Territory Government led by Omar Abdullah, to observe 5th August as a “Black Day”, describing it as unfortunate, politically misplaced and against the larger interests of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Sabha, in a press release, stated that 5th August 2019 marked the complete and irreversible constitutional integration of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country. It said that the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A ushered in an era of equality, constitutional uniformity and inclusive development, enabling the people of the Union Territory to fully benefit from the welfare schemes and development initiatives of the Government of India.
The Sabha observed that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir have made remarkable strides during the past seven years in the Civil Services, sports, academics, research, entrepreneurship and other fields. These achievements, it said, are a reflection of the expanding opportunities available after the constitutional changes of 2019. It further noted that several progressive Central laws, particularly those protecting the rights of women, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and other marginalized sections, became applicable to Jammu and Kashmir only after the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. The removal of discriminatory provisions affecting women’s inheritance rights was also described as a significant step towards gender justice.
The Sabha expressed serious concern that by repeatedly questioning the constitutional changes of August 2019, the National Conference leadership is reviving a narrative that finds resonance only among separatist and anti-national elements. Such an approach, it said, neither serves the interests of peace and development nor reflects the aspirations of a large section of the people, particularly the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, which has welcomed these constitutional changes.
While reiterating that the restoration of statehood is a legitimate democratic aspiration and should be granted at an appropriate time, the Sabha emphasized that this issue should not be linked with the reversal of Articles 370 and 35A, which have already attained constitutional finality.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sabha urged the Omar Abdullah Government to focus on governance rather than political symbolism. It called upon the Government to honour its commitments by preparing a comprehensive and time-bound policy for the safe, dignified and sustainable return and rehabilitation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandit community. The Sabha asserted that the people expect the Government to address pressing issues of development, employment, public services and rehabilitation instead of reopening constitutional questions that have already been settled.
Those who attended the meeting include Deepak Dhar, Ashwani Koul, S. L. Bagati, G. J. Kampasi, Subash Dhar, Rajinder Tiku, Prof. R. K. Ganjoo, Jitender Parimoo, Vinod Bhat, V. K. Mukhi, V. K. Bakshi, Dr. Usha Tickoo, Dr. Sujata Sathoo, Asha Kitchloo, B. B. Gosain and Satish Khoda.