DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
JAMMU, Dec 13
In a significant press conference held at the Press Club Jammu today, Panun Kashmir leaders, led by Chairman Dr. Ajay Chrungoo, addressed the media to express their satisfaction with the Supreme Court judgment affirming the constitutionality of the abrogation of Article 370. The leaders welcomed the clarity provided by the verdict, emphasizing that it unequivocally establishes the full applicability of the Constitution of India to Jammu and Kashmir in both letter and spirit.
The press briefing highlighted the Supreme Court’s dismissal of the concept of internal sovereignty in Jammu and Kashmir and its validation of the constitutional powers of the President of India to abrogate Article 370. This landmark decision also encompassed the extension of all provisions of the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir, along with the reorganization of the state into two Union territories. The leaders expressed immense joy and happiness at the outcome, considering it a pivotal moment for the region.
The leaders reiterated their stance that the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir through Article 370 and 35-A had effectively created a Muslim State within the territory of India.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the removal of Article 370, according to the leaders, has dismantled the dejure structure of this Muslim State.
However, the leaders acknowledged that challenges still persist in dismantling the de facto internal structures of this Muslim State, which continue to exist out of habit, selective sensitivities, and subversive machinations.
Dr. Ajay Chrungoo drew attention to the observations made by Supreme Court Justice S K Koul, which underscored the mass exodus of the Kashmiri Pandit community in 1989-90.
The comments emphasized that this migration was not voluntary but a result of threats to life and property, leading to a significant change in the cultural ethos of Kashmir.
The leaders urged the Government of India to recognize this as a genocide against Kashmiri Pandits, challenging the prevailing narrative of voluntary migration.
Expressing disappointment with the Supreme Court’s apparent silence on the ongoing genocide and denial of justice to Kashmiri Pandits, the leaders called upon the judiciary to take a proactive role. They specifically urged the Supreme Court to recognize the genocide inflicted on Hindus in Kashmir, directing the Government of India to enact laws for the prevention and punishment of the crime of genocide.
The leaders further appealed to the Supreme Court to intervene in stopping any government policies that contribute to the denial of the ongoing genocide against Hindus in Kashmir. The press conference concluded with a call for justice, recognition, and proactive measures to address the challenges faced by the displaced community.
