Srinagar, Dec 05): National Conference on Saturday demanded ‘restoration’ of pre August 9, 1953 position of Jammu and Kashmir, saying BJP has to accept the ‘reality’ and ‘return’ what was snatched away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir through a unilateral decision last year. 

Talking to reporters on NC founder, Sheikh Abdullah’s 115th birth anniversary at his mausoleum in Hazratbal, National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar said the efforts of party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah of bringing all regional political parties on a single platform is appreciated everywhere.

Sagar, according to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the BJP has to accept reality and return what was snatched away from the people of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. Sagar also demanded that August 9, 1953 position of Jammu and Kashmir be restored in its original form.

Terming Sheikh Abdullah as a visionary leader, he said Sheikh had warned the people that special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir would face challenges and that they need to stand united to save internal autonomy of the state.

“BJP has to accept reality and restore Articles 370 sooner or later. We also demand the August 9, 1953 position of Jammu and Kashmir to be restored in its original form. Sheikh Sahab had warned beforehand the challenges Article 370 could face and asked people to stand united to save internal autonomy of the state,” Sagar added.

He also said the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) was formed to bring all regional political parties on a single platform to fight for the restoration of the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the political party’s needs to stay united at this juncture and fight for the restoration of Article 370 than to fight with each other.

On the other hand, NC Parliamentarian from north Kashmir, Mohammad Akbar Lone said that his party will fight for the restoration of Article 370 come what may. He said BJP which claims that the special status of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be restored is highly mistaken.

“BJP is highly mistaken if it says that Article 370 stands buried or cannot be restored. We will fight for its restoration come what may,” Lone added—(KNO)