JAMMU, Aug 4: The Confederation of Dalits, OBCs, Minorities and Adivasis (DOMA), Jammu & Kashmir, on Tuesday demanded the restoration of the constitutional and administrative status that existed in Jammu and Kashmir before August 5, 2019, asserting that it is essential to safeguard the land, employment and identity rights of the region’s permanent residents.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, DOMA Confederation J&K State President R.K. Kalsotra said the erstwhile state was bifurcated into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019, without the consent of the people or approval of the Legislative Assembly. He said the recently elected Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution seeking restoration of the pre-August 5, 2019 position, which, according to him, reflects the aspirations of the people.
The organisation questioned why Jammu and Kashmir could not be granted full statehood when there are demands for greater legislative, executive and financial powers for other Union Territories. DOMA leaders maintained that restoration of statehood was necessary to protect the constitutional rights of the people.
The speakers also alleged that several issues affecting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes remain unresolved, including reservation in promotions, filling of backlog vacancies and measures to address caste-based discrimination. They further called for land reforms to benefit landless permanent residents.
Senior DOMA leader Sardar Narinder Singh Khalsa said that people in Jammu and Kashmir have experienced growing concerns over identity, employment opportunities and economic challenges since the 2019 constitutional changes. He said there was a need to restore democratic and constitutional rights along with full statehood.
Amir-ud-din Kasana urged the National Conference-led government to fulfil its commitments regarding the restoration of statehood and other constitutional safeguards promised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Ashu Peter Mattoo reiterated DOMA Confederation’s commitment to advocating for constitutional rights, social justice and full statehood.
Among those present at the press conference were Ramesh Sarmal, S. Harsis Kranti, Dr. Ramesh Kaith, S. Inderjit Singh, Roop Lal and other senior office-bearers of the DOMA Confederation.