Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 25: All Parties United Morcha (APU), a joint forum of political and social organizations, today demanded restoration of full statehood and special constitutional safeguards to Jammu and Kashmir, saying people of the region were facing identity and economic issues after the changes of August 5, 2019.
Addressing a joint press conference here, senior leaders of the Morcha welcomed the constitutional safeguards granted to Ladakh under Article 371 and said similar democratic and constitutional rights should be restored to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders said the people wanted restoration of statehood along with safeguards related to land and employment rights.
The Morcha also supported the statement of senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating dialogue between India and Pakistan and appealed for peaceful resolution of issues for lasting peace in the region.
The leaders said people living on both sides of the Line of Control desired peace, stability and better relations instead of conflict.
The APU leaders alleged that Jammu and Kashmir was witnessing confusion and distress due to the present administrative system and claimed that unemployment and economic difficulties had increased in recent years.
The forum also condemned the demolition of houses belonging to Gujjar and Bakkarwal families in the Raika belt of Sidhra area in Jammu.
The leaders alleged that the affected families were not served prior notice and demanded immediate rehabilitation of the displaced persons.
The Morcha appealed to the National Conference Government to fulfil its election promises and take necessary steps for restoration of statehood with constitutional safeguards.
Among those present at the press conference were ID Khajuria, Gitten Singh, Rakesh Sharma, R.K. Kalsotra, Narinder Singh Khalsa, Varinder Singh Sonu, Tarsem Khullar and several other political and social activists.
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