Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras and Sikhs Sign Petition Condemning Abrogation of Article 370

[Abdullah719]

New Delhi: A petition signed by 64 citizens of India from Jammu and Kashmir said they believe “abrogation of Article 370, made in stealth and using coercive means” is “unconstitutional and in violation of the historical promises” made to the people of the state.

The signatories of the petition include professionals from all spheres of life such as an eminent doctor, a Vice Air Marshal, theatre artists, academics, journalists, students and researchers. Most of the signatories are Kashmiri Pandits, Dogras and Sikhs belonging to the state.

In the letter, they say that the “clandestine manner” in which the Centre proceeded to revoke J&K’s special status and reorganise it into two Union Territories, “in complete exclusion of the opinion & consent” of the state’s legislative assembly amounts to an “authoritarian & undemocratic rejection of all norms of democracy”.

“We reiterate the fact that, we the people of Jammu and Kashmir were not consulted and no decision about our future, taken without our consent can be termed as legitimate. We condemn and reject this unilateral, undemocratic and unconstitutional imposition on us,” the signatories say.

Also Read: Why Revoking Special Status Is the Final Betrayal of Kashmir

Calling for an immediate lifting of the “state of siege on Jammu & Kashmir”, the petition says the communication gag on the people of the state to be revoked, while also calling for all political representatives to be freed from “arbitrary and illegal detention”.

The petition concludes by saying:

“We are pained at the division of our homeland and we pledge that we stand united in this time of trial and crisis. We will resist any attempt made to divide us on ethnic, cultural and communal lines.”

The petition has been reproduced in full below.

§

We, the stateless state-subjects of the, now, erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir, unequivocally condemn the abrogation of Article 370.

We take this opportunity to remind the citizens of India that Jammu & Kashmir chose to accede because of the secular & democratic character of the Indian dominion. The state of Jammu & Kashmir was the only princely state which negotiated the terms of its accession during the proceedings of the Constituent Assembly of India in 1949, consequent to which the Article 370 came into existence without any opposition.

Therefore we consider this move of abrogation of Article 370, made in stealth and using coercive means, to be unconstitutional and in violation of the historical promises made to the peoples’ of Jammu & Kashmir by the Union of India. The clandestine manner in which the Government of India proceeded in the matter, in complete exclusion of the opinion & consent of the Legislative Assembly of the J&K amounts to an authoritarian & undemocratic rejection of all norms of democracy.

We reiterate the fact that, we the people of Jammu & Kashmir were not consulted and no decision about our future, taken without our consent can be termed as legitimate.
We condemn and reject this unilateral, undemocratic and unconstitutional imposition on us.

We call for an immediate lifting of the state of siege on Jammu & Kashmir. We demand immediate revocation of communication gag on the people of J&K. We also call for all political representatives to be freed from arbitrary and illegal detention.

We are pained at the division of our homeland and we pledge that we stand united in this time of trial and crisis. We will resist any attempt made to divide us on ethnic, cultural and communal lines.

Signatures:
Rabinder Singh, Assistant Professor;
Air vice marshal (retd) Kapil Kak;
Upendra Kaul(U Kaul), Doctor, Cardiologist;
Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor, Kashmir Times;
M.K. Raina, Theatre and Film Artist
Badri Raina, Professor, Author and Columnist;
Nitasha Kaul, Professor and Author;
Mona Bhan, Associate Professor and Author;
Suvir Kaul, Professor and Author;
Pradeep Magazine, Senior Journalist;
Pushkar Nath Ganjoo, Retired Bureaucrat;
Nirdosh Uppal, Social Activist;
Sharda Ugra, Journalist;
Marvi Slathia Ph.D.Research scholar;
Shvaita Kaul, writer and political activist
Nishita Trisal, PhD Student;
Sagrika Kissu, Journalist;
I.D Khajuria, Peace Activist, IDP;
Prem Pal Singh, Lok Manch;
Cathleen Kaur, Consultant;
Raghuvir Singh Jamwal, Social Activist;
Narinder Khajuria, Social Activist;
Shubham Koul, Visual Artist;
Ayushi Koul, Fashion Designer;
Supriya Kissu, Student;
Sakshi Raina, Student;
Supriya Sharma, Student;
Dr Bhupinder Singh, Dental Doctor;
Amarjeet Singh, IT Professional;
Arushi, Student;
Sumeet Kour, Biotech Professional;
Narinder Pal Kour, Retired Government Employee;
Supinder Kour, Housewife;
Sachin Raina, Student;
Vivek Raina, Student;
Satvinder Singh, Student;
Simran Jeet Kour, Teacher;
Swaran Singh, Businessman;
Tejpal Singh, Businessman;
Avtar Singh, Businessman;
Jagroop Singh, Retired Employee;
Shubham Kaul, Artist;
Kuldeep Singh, Consultant;
Parvinder Kour, Engineer;
Satish Kumar, Consultant;
Raman Kumar, Journalist;
Kulwant Kour, Housewife;
Jasbir Singh, Businessman;
Agrita Chibber, Student;
Sandeep Kour, House wife;
Sanam Sutirath Wazir, Human Rights Activist;
Parvinder Singh, Engineer;
Simy Dhar, Engineer Entrepreneur;
Kiran Ganjoo, Retired Teacher;
Priyadarshini Arambam ,Clinical researcher;
Priyawarat Kumar , Secretary;
Prabhpreet Kour, Homemaker;
Jason Singh, Student;
Manpreet Kour, housewife;
Jayant Ugra, Photographer;
Avinash Azad, Journalist
Akshay Azad, Journalist
Ruchika Raina, Researcher
Aditya Gupta, Lawyer

https://thewire.in/rights/kashmir-petition-condemn-abrogation-article-370

 

[Candyman]

64

Kashmiri Pandits

The Wire

 

[Majestic_Inzi]

Just how long can they block communication from the valley.

I think a storm is coming in Kashmir and the Hindutva maybe planning genocide.

 

[troodon]

Probably forced to sign under pressure.

 

[Majestic_Inzi]

Probably forced to sign under pressure.

They are in India from whom?

They have 700k soldiers in the valley who is forcing them.

 

[Candyman]

Probably forced to sign under pressure.

Most probably be Congress paid actors.

Those stooges can fall down to any levels for their political interests.

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

64

Kashmiri Pandits

The Wire

Yeah kill them.

 

[Manunited18]

Probably forced to sign under pressure.

Sir puucking parrot has his say again!, lol

 

[Candyman]

Yeah kill them.

What ?

 

[GBK_Fan]

The wire..... might as well quote Zaid Hamid

 

[Tiger96]

Many in Jammu want the article to be maintained so no surprise. They are not Pro Pakistani or secessionist but want the state to enjoy special rights.

 

[msaaim89]

Many in Jammu want the article to be maintained so no surprise. They are not Pro Pakistani or secessionist but want the state to enjoy special rights.

Or they have had enough of Indian oppression (more likely).

 

[cricketjoshila]

The Wire...lol.

 

[IMMY69]

Glad our Indian friends here can find some humour in this black period for humanity.

 

[Poseidon]

Glad our Indian friends here can find some humour in this black period for humanity.

its off topic-
brother, i have read your posts on some other threads that you have some charity organization in pakistan. can you plz help me. i need a deskjob becoz of some medical reasons i cant share here. i have no experience in office work. i was a tutor. but its not enough for me and my family. i am the only son in my family. kindly plz help me if you can. you can ask mods to give me your email. i will tell you my details over there. waiting for your reply. thanks

 

[MenInG]

https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/jam...ment-to-ensure-n-2084456?pfrom=home-topscroll


The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is "sensitive" and one must rely on the government, the Supreme Court said today in response to a petition that sought an immediate lifting of the lockdown that has been in place there for more than a week and the release of political leaders currently under arrest. "We expect normalcy. But nothing can be done overnight. Nobody knows what's happening. One has to rely on the government... It is a sensitive issue," the court said, adjourning the case for two weeks.

Jammu and Kashmir has been under an unprecedented security cover and prohibitory orders that ban large gatherings since August 4 - the eve of the government's announcement of the withdrawal of the special status for the state and its bifurcation into two Union Territories.

Internet and phone connectivity have also been withdrawn, pointing to which the petitioner said even the soldiers have been unable to connect with their families.

In response to the court's queries no whether the situation on the ground is being reviewed, the Centre said it was reviewing the situation daily. "We expect it will be settled soon," Attorney General KK Venugopal, the government's highest law officer, told the court.

The Attorney General pointed out that the lockdown has been the way to maintain law and order with the "least inconvenience".

"In July 2016, we had a similar situation when three terrorists (including Burhan Wani) were killed. People came to the roads. At that time, internet was cut... More than 40 people died. Now, now not a single person is dead," he added.

"We should have a real picture. Time has to be given. Let us wait for normalcy. If the situation continues, the petitioner can come to court," the judges said.

Yesterday, the government said Eid-al-Adha had passed peacefully in Jammu and Kashmir, barring a few sporadic incidents. But the mood was subdued as the streets of Srinagar remained deserted under the watchful eyes of the security personnel. The restriction measures, which had been lifted for a day, were back on Sunday morning.

In a statement last evening, the government said restrictions have been completely lifted or limited to the night in five districts of Jammu. "Similar local relaxation was done in the nine other districts of Kashmir based on local assessment of the situation," the statement read.

 

[IMMY69]

A strong unbiased judiciary

 

[Ram Shekhar]

Glad our Indian friends here can find some humour in this black period for humanity.

This hit hard man... these uncertain times are making some people happy. Gandhi would have cried today had he been alive!

 

[Loralai]

Many progressive groups have expressed their disgust with the situation in Kashmir. I salute our progressive brothers and sisters in India and hope they keep fighting for a better tomorrow. Inquilab Zindabad.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Glad our Indian friends here can find some humour in this black period for humanity.

the petition shows that the abrogation is secular and doesnt target any religion in particular.

 

[Abdullah719]

I’m A Sikh From Kashmir And I Don’t Support Abrogating Article 370

Impunity is a long-standing bane for Jammu and Kashmir. The lack of political will to elicit accountability for past and present actions of the government and the security forces is fortified and aggravated by another obstacle to justice; especially for those who lack financial resources or education.

The climate of impunity encourages violations and it also alienates people and their faith in the government and justice.

While growing up in a Sikh family in Jammu and Kashmir and seeing the suffering of family members who are affected by the violence, I felt tormented and scared as a child with a psychological fear of facing backlash. But, I decided that I shall refuse to be intimidated and refuse to be forced to silence. I started to work on the Human Rights issue because I do not want our next generation to witness what I did in my days.

Kashmir Misses Vajpayee

The BJP stalwart Atal Bihari Vajpayee won many hearts in Kashmir when he used the famous the triad of Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat and Kashmiriyat for addressing the Kashmir issue. His people-first approach made the confidence of Kashmiris rest on his shoulders. However, contrary to the late unafraid leader Vajpayee, the current government’s approach towards Kashmir is based on muscle power and heavy crackdown.

Had it been Vajpayee, he would have called for an all-party meeting to invite suggestions from the Opposition, too . But long gone is that era of democratic discussion. The current dispensation, instead of discussing it with the regional players, has decided to arrest the local representatives of the Kashmiri people.

Kashmiris are living under the draconian laws like AFSPA, PSA or be it the use of Pump-action shotguns firing metal pellets and so forth, it is no different than living in a war zone. And if all of this was not enough, the undemocratic move towards the abrogation of Article 370 is no less sprinkling salt on the old wounds.

Article 370 Abrogation Makes Promises Without a Plan

There has been much debate regarding the constitutionality of Article 370 where many say it’s a temporary article. In Sampat Prakash Vs State of Jammu and Kashmir (1969), the Supreme Court refused to accept Article 370 as temporary. A five-judge Bench said, “Article 370 has never ceased to be operative”. Thus, it is a permanent provision.

The reason for the abrogation of Article 370 is not hued in the shades of integration, rather to appease the majority population of the country. Perhaps, it is the sole pre-poll promise they could live up to in the post-election phase. The economy of the country is routing on a vulnerable path, the auto industry will sink any day in a more profound fashion than Titanic and entrepreneurs are being drifted on the cusp of suicide. Unemployment is rising at a nimble-footed pace, yet the powers in New Delhi promised jobs, investment and sustainable future for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. But, when inquired on how the Government plans to pursue their claims, all that lands at our shore is silence and confusion.

Does the abrogation of Article 370 mean that the residents of J&K are out on a sale? The Government of India and various other states are complicit in this objectification of its citizens and promotion of profanity, their silence is no less than tacit approval.

One Way Communication with Kashmiris

The residents of Kashmir are under a lockdown for almost two weeks now, with little to no communication with the rest of the world. I spoke to my family members on 10 August but there are many who still shed tears of fraught for their incapacity to contact their families. The two erstwhile Chief Ministers were arrested while Farooq Abdullah is placed under the house arrest. Could we find any shades of democracy in these measures?

In the past two weeks, I was compelled to deactivate most of my social media accounts particularly because of the hate messages and memes volleyed at my shore for expressing my thoughts. Patriarchy, misogyny, racism and toxic masculinity are thriving on social media under the garb of muscular nationalism.

Suddenly everyone thinks that they can get their hands on Kashmiri women. Morphed photos of Kashmiri women are circulating on the internet with a full display of profanity, yet no action.

The New Normal in Kashmir

Shall we accept this crackdown and communication restrictions as our new normal? I am confused, what does Government mean when they say everything is normal in Kashmir?

It’s the duty of any democratically elected government to take all stakeholders into consideration before making any decisions. There is nothing called autocratic democracy. Dialogue is the only way forward in any democracy.

From the Chittisinghpora massacre to Kunan Poshpora, nothing has changed in the Valley. Much water has flowed through the Jhelum River in these intervening years. If Jhelum could speak, she would testify for the thousands of the unidentified bodies that have flowed through it in anonymity. The screams of people still echo in those lanes where the inhuman butcheries were perpetrated.

It's a pity that some people will not hesitate to bake their bread on the burning pyre of emotions.

(Sanam Sutirath Wazir is a human rights activist, and has been working as a researcher with the victims of the 1984 Sikh massacre since 2013.)

https://www.thequint.com/voices/blogs/sikh-from-kashmir-violence-article-370

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ex Air Vice-Marshal Kapil Kak (a Kashmiri Pandit) explains Kashmir's accession to India "Kashmiris have not let down India, India has let down Kashmir...." Is he also anti national Modi, Shah, Arnab & Co? <a href="https://t.co/3cBfzQ8aIT">https://t.co/3cBfzQ8aIT</a></p>— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) <a href="https://twitter.com/kavita_krishnan/status/1162015353427283969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[fitCricFan]

64 out of 1.2 billion, thats a great start. In a demcracy you are allowed to disagree with the majority.

 

[Invincible Gujjar]

all gujjars of jammu and kashmir condemn this act by hindutva government.They are going to make our state a living hell.Scary times ahead.