JKRCEA Backs Govt Resolution for Statehood and Constitutional Safeguards in Jammu & Kashmir
Leaders Warn of Mass Protests if J&K Reserved Category Rights Are Overlooked
JAMMU, Nov 13: The Joint Action Committee of Reserved Categories, represented by the Jammu & Kashmir Reserved Categories Empowerment Alliance (JKRCEA), voiced strong support for the recent government resolution advocating the restoration of statehood and constitutional protections for Jammu & Kashmir. The JKRCEA praised the move as a step towards safeguarding the rights of all regions, religions, castes, and genders across Jammu & Kashmir, which was reconstituted as a Union Territory in 2019.
During a press conference, JKRCEA leaders criticized remarks made by PDP MLA Waheed Parra, whom they accused of expressing unconstitutional views that disregard the rights and sentiments of reserved category communities. Describing his statements as misguided and insensitive, the JKRCEA warned Parra against reiterating such views and emphasized that continued statements of this nature could provoke a mass campaign in response.
JKRCEA leaders also addressed leaders of the National Conference, urging Dr. Farooq Abdullah and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to caution their MPs and MLAs against making statements that could harm the sentiments of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and minority communities in Jammu & Kashmir. Prof. G.L. Thapa, JKRCEA’s Working President, highlighted that the current resolution aligns with promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders during the election campaign, who pledged to restore statehood and protect the rights of marginalized communities.
Prof. Thapa further expressed disappointment with the BJP’s approach, condemning its refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue on issues affecting the rights of reserved categories. He criticized the party’s record on SC, ST, and OBC rights, particularly regarding reservation in promotions, direct recruitment, and land ownership. “The BJP has shown disregard for the constitutional rights and protections of J&K’s reserved categories, failing to uphold the promises they made,” he stated.
Mohinder Bhagat, JKRCEA’s Working General Secretary, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the BJP’s stance on constitutional rights has left many in J&K feeling disenfranchised. Sham Bassan, President of the Dalit Chetna Manch, added that the abrogation of Article 370 has adversely impacted SC, ST, OBCs, and minorities, underscoring the importance of safeguarding their constitutional rights.
The conference concluded with a call for a definitive stance from the J&K National Conference on reservation policies, land rights, and the implementation of the Mandal Commission Report. Key JKRCEA figures attending the event included R.A. Inklabi, Mohammad Latif Qureshi, Lakhbir Singh, Prof. Kali Dass, Bodh Raj Bhagat, Joginder Paul, K.K. Bhagat, F.C. Satia, Balwant Kataria, and several other representatives who stand united in support of the resolution and the broader mission of justice and inclusion for J&K’s reserved communities.
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