BJP’s rhetoric can’t change constitutional facts – Sagar

National Conference General Secretary and MLA Khanyar, Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar on Tuesday said BJP’s rabble-rousing and rhetoric on the State’s Special Status won’t change the constitutional facts that make Article 370 and Article 35-A irrevocable Articles of Faith between the people of J&K and the rest of the country. Addressing a public function at Dastageer Sahab (RA) in Shehar-e-Khaas, the NC General Secretary said the State’s Special Status was the basis of validity for the accession of the State to the Union and cannot be toyed with.

After inaugurating the ‘Gous-ul-Azam (RA)’ Park, Sagar addressed a rousing public meeting at the venue and reiterated the party’s commitment to fight for the State’s honour and dignity in the face of new challenges being launched by forces inimical to the State’s integrity, peace and stability. “Regardless of what BJP leaders including Dr. Nirmal Singh says, Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India under special circumstances and negotiated a special constitutional arrangement that is not only irrevocable but also a non-negotiable Article of Faith without which the accession loses its moral, political and constitutional validity. We have always defended the State’s Special Status and we will never hesitate from fighting every necessary battle to uphold the sovereign promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, Sagar said.

Addressing the meeting, the NC General Secretary said divisive forces were trying hard to divide the people of the State on religious and regional lines on sensitive issues to further a deep-rooted agenda to weaken the State and rob its people of their legal and political rights.

“Efforts are being made to change the cultural and demographic composition of the State under an elaborate and well-thought-out plan. National Conference is committed to safeguard the interests of every citizen of the State irrespective of region and religion and we will continue to treat all three regions of the State with equality and dedication”, the NC General Secretary said.

Senior Officers of the Administration including Commissioner SMC, Executive Engineer SMC along with other staff officers were present on the occasion.