The Kashmir Dialogues
Says, assembly, which had powers under ‘Article 370,’ was taken away, thereby stripping j&k of its dignity and autonomy
Srinagar, Aug 17 (KB): Senior political leader, and present sitting member of Lok Sabha Aga Ruhullah Mehdi expressed his strong disapproval of the prolonged delay in holding assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
In an exclusive rap session with the Kashmir Bulletin (KB), Mehdi emphasized that elections, which should not have been delayed beyond six months, have now been postponed from 2018 to 2024, depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their legislative assembly.
He highlighted that this delay has not only deprived the region’s people of their assembly but also facilitated a significant “constitutional theft” in Parliament. Mehdi stressed that the assembly, which had the powers under Article 370, was taken away, thereby stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its dignity and autonomy.
He further criticized the actions of those in power, stating that, assembly was kept in abeyance to serve the interests of a few, while the people of Jammu and Kashmir were denied their democratic rights. “Mehdi called this approach a major question mark on the country’s democracy and a significant challenge to its democratic values.”
Lastly, as Jammu and Kashmir prepare for upcoming elections, Mehdi added the assembly now being elected has been downgraded and stripped of its previous status and authority, raising concerns about the region’s democratic representation.
