JAMMU, May 25: All Parties United Morcha (APU), a joint platform of political parties, social organisations and civil society members in Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday welcomed the statement of senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating dialogue with Pakistan and urged both countries to resume the peace process for settlement of all outstanding issues.
Addressing a joint press conference in Jammu, senior leaders of the Morcha said that people living on both sides of the Line of Control desire peace, stability and better relations instead of war. They stated that since 1947 the people of Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed several accords and conflicts, but lasting peace has remained elusive.
The leaders expressed hope that sincere dialogue between India and Pakistan would pave the way for permanent and durable peace in the region.
The Morcha also welcomed the reported move towards restoration of democracy and constitutional safeguards to the people of Leh-Kargil region under Article 371. The leaders stated that legislative, executive and financial powers should rest with an elected body in the region.
Referring to developments after August 5, 2019, APU leaders alleged that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been facing identity-related concerns, economic difficulties and unemployment. They demanded restoration of full statehood and constitutional rights as existed before August 5, 2019.
The leaders further said that the existing dual power structure in Jammu and Kashmir has created confusion and distress among the people.
The Morcha also condemned the demolition of houses in the Riaka Belt area of Sidhra in Jammu belonging to members of the Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities. Alleging denial of land rights under the Forest Rights Act, the leaders claimed that no prior notice was served to the affected families who have been residing there for decades.
Demanding immediate rehabilitation of the displaced families, the Morcha alleged that even the elected government appeared unaware of the eviction drive carried out during extreme weather conditions.
The APU leaders also reminded the National Conference Government of its election promises and appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and National Conference patron Dr. Farooq Abdullah to take concrete steps for restoration of full statehood, special constitutional safeguards, land rights and protection in government employment for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders further appealed for communal harmony, unity and brotherhood among all communities and strongly condemned divisive and hate-driven agendas in Jammu and Kashmir.
Among those present at the press conference were I.D. Khajuria, Gitten Singh, Rakesh Sharma, R.K. Kalsotra, Narinder Singh Khalsa, Varinder Singh Sonu, Tarsem Khullar, Tarsem Moolniwasi, Sunny Kant Chib, Subash Mehta, Narinder Bhagat, Koshal Kumar Targotra, Amiru Din Kasana, Ranjeet Singh, Mohd Iqbal, Harasis Singh, Narinder Khajuria, Dharminder Singh, I.P. Singh, Inderjeet Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Hari Singh, O.P. Khajuria, Gurbachan Singh, Gulshan Kumar and Kranti Koshal, among others.