Kargil, Dec 13: The Jammu Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Kargil unit has expressed deep disappointment regarding the recent Supreme Court decision on Article 370.
The ruling, which predominantly focuses on upholding Ladakh as a Union Territory, bas stripped Ladakh of its democratically elected representation, a move that the JKNC Kargil finds disappointing.
As per a statement issued on Wednesday, the party strongly urges the swift restoration of statehood in Jammu & Kashmir before the scheduled elections in September 2024. This reinstatement is crucial for re-establishing democratic governance in the region.
Moreover, the absence of an elected Legislative Assembly under President’s rule and the dissolution of statehood raises concerns about the validity of governance through a President-appointed Governor, setting a precedent with implications for other states.
The judgment’s interpretation of Article 3 of the Constitution potentially allows unilateral actions by the Central Government informing new states, altering boundaries, or names, bypassing the consultation with concerned stale legislatures. Such moves could undermine federalism and the rights of elected state legislatures, the statement read.
JKNC Ladakh stands firm in rejecting the idea of Union Territory status and reiterates its demand for full-fledged statehood under any circumstance.
The party reaffirms its commitment to the political struggle for statehood and special status, emphasizing that the judgment does not affect the enduring ties between Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. The relations, aspirations and the history is align.
Sadly, the judgment lacks explicit acknowledgment or commitment to addressing Ladakh’s longstanding demands. The people of Ladakh have vocally expressed their desire for complete statehood and have sought safeguards under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. They aim to be governed by their own (Ladakhi) representatives, it read.
Ladakh’s representatives have actively advocated for statehood, engaging with the Government of India.
The party earnestly hopes that the government with heed the people’s voice and honour their legitimate demands.
“Failure to promptly restore democratic rights in Ladakh will further deepening the sense of alienation and betrayal among the people,” the statement added.
