JAMMU, Aug 5: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Jammu East constituency, Yudhvir Sethi, on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on opposition parties for observing August 5 as a “Black Day”, asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 marked the beginning of a new era of equality, development and peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Kacchi Chawni, Yudhvir Sethi extended greetings on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 and said the day should be celebrated as a “historic milestone” rather than mourned.
Yudhvir Sethi was flanked by BJP Jammu District President Rajesh Gupta, General Secretary Suneet Raina, ex-President Jammu District Parmodh Kapahi and other senior leaders.
Questioning the opposition’s criticism of the constitutional changes made on August 5, 2019, Sethi asked what tangible benefits had been delivered to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during the seven decades when Article 370 remained in force.
“If those who are calling today a ‘Black Day’ can list even three major achievements for the people of Jammu and Kashmir during those 70 years, we will acknowledge their contribution,” he said.
Highlighting the changes brought after the abrogation of Article 370, Sethi said several communities that had been deprived of equal rights for decades had finally received justice. He referred to the Valmiki community and refugee families, saying they were granted constitutional rights, including voting rights, after the special status was revoked.
He also cited the example of a woman who, according to him, had recently stated during a press conference that despite graduating in 2001, she was unable to secure admission to professional courses under the previous system and could pursue legal studies only after the constitutional changes.
“Those who today speak of human rights remained silent when many sections of society were denied equal opportunities in education, employment and political participation,” Sethi alleged.
The BJP leader also criticised People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti over her remarks seeking restoration of Article 370. He questioned whether bringing back the earlier constitutional arrangement would encourage separatist forces and revive terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to banned organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, Sethi alleged that the removal of Article 370 strengthened the fight against separatism and terrorism.
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Sethi said their leadership had brought peace, stability and development to Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring that the benefits of Central welfare schemes reached every section of society.
He also criticised opposition leaders for displaying the former Jammu and Kashmir state flag during recent political events, alleging that such actions sent the wrong message and disrespected the spirit of national unity.
Speaking on women’s rights, Sethi claimed that the abrogation of Article 370 ended discriminatory provisions that had affected women from Jammu and Kashmir who married outside the Union Territory. He questioned opposition leaders on whether they wanted such provisions restored.
The BJP MLA further alleged that earlier governments had spent huge public resources on providing security to separatist leaders while neglecting development. He said those funds were now being utilised for infrastructure, roads and public welfare.
Sethi accused regional political parties of promoting dynastic politics and treating Jammu and Kashmir as their personal political domain. He maintained that the constitutional changes of August 5 had ended such politics by ensuring the full implementation of the Indian Constitution and parliamentary laws in the Union Territory.
Concluding the press conference, Sethi said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had embraced development, democracy and equal rights after the abrogation of Article 370.
“August 5 is not a Black Day. It is a historic day that ushered in equality, constitutional rights and new opportunities for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.