| News Details |
| JBM demands immediate restoration of statehood with Article 371 safeguards for J&K | | 
Jammu, July 05 (Scoop News)- In a fervent appeal that resonates with the sentiments of countless residents, the Jammu Province Bachao Manch (JBM) today vociferously demanded that the Government of India expeditiously restore statehood to Jammu & Kashmir, buttressed with constitutional safeguards under Article 371. The Manch underscored that the people of the erstwhile princely state have waited long enough and can ill afford to squander more precious time while their aspirations remain in limbo.
Addressing a press conference here in Jammu, Ashok Sharma — veteran advocate, former legislator, and chairman of JBM — flanked by vice-chairman Satish Poonchi, Chief Advisor Dr. Kuldeep Sharma, and senior member Ashwani Sharma, minced no words in asserting that the time is ripe for the Union Government to honour the legitimate aspirations of the people.
Ashok Sharma recalled the historical context of Jammu & Kashmir’s accession to the Union of India. “J&K was a sovereign entity, fully equipped with the attributes of an independent state under the erstwhile Maharaja Hari Singh,” Sharma remarked. “It was only through the Instrument of Accession that the Maharaja consented to merge with the Union, subject to certain guarantees, later codified in the form of Article 370.” He lamented that while the abrogation of Article 370 altered the region’s constitutional status, the subsequent relegation of a historic state to a mere Union Territory has been deeply distressing for its proud people.
Chief Advisor Dr. Kuldeep Sharma echoed this sentiment, cautioning the administration that simmering discontent over the continued denial of statehood and special protections under Article 371 is reaching a tipping point. “The government should not test the patience of the people indefinitely. There is palpable anger on the ground — and if the Centre continues to disregard these genuine demands, it risks pushing the populace onto the streets in protest,” he warned.
Vice-Chairman Satsh Poonchi highlighted the plight of the youth, who he said find themselves ensnared in a quagmire of uncertainty and neglect. “When the youth are disillusioned, how can a nation dream of progress and prosperity?” he
asked pointedly. “The youth are the bedrock of any vibrant democracy — it is imperative that their future is secured through political stability, dignity, and self-governance.”
The leadership of JBM unanimously called upon the Union Government to act without further procrastination. They argued that restoring statehood, fortified with Article 371-like provisions, would not only protect the unique cultural and social fabric of the region but also reassure the people that their distinct identity and rights remain safeguarded within the Indian Union.
As the press conference drew to a close, Ashok Sharma urged all likeminded civil society groups and conscientious citizens to rally behind this pivotal demand. “This is not a partisan issue — this is about dignity, identity, and the democratic rights of every son and daughter of this land. Together, we must strive to reclaim what is rightfully ours,” he asserted with conviction.
The JBM leaders made it abundantly clear that they will persist with peaceful democratic means until their clarion call for statehood with Article 371 safeguards is heard and honoured at the highest corridors of power.
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