Mohammad Waseem
On 5th August 2019, when article 370 was abrogated by the government of India, the decision was warmly welcomed by several residents of Jammu that included political parties of the Dogra Front and Shiv Sena, in fact both the political organizations.
Parties including the Shiv Sena beat drums and burst crackers welcoming the decision, however the scenario seems to be different now.
Manish Sahni, the president of Shiv Sena unit of Jammu Kashmir said, “We welcomed the abrogation of the articles 370 and 35 A by the BJP Government, who deceited the citizens of Jammu Kashmir. The scenario was different then as the BJP promised the people that they would end unemployment and set the track of development but unfortunately, after two years of abrogation, we have seen no change so far.”
Manish stated that from the last two years Jammu Kashmir seems to be going backdwards, “From the last two years, people have been coming out on roads to protest demanding the regulariation of their services. Around 9000 daily wagers are out on the streets. The only difference is that nobody responds to them now.”
“Dogras are the pride of Jammu Kashmir and their dignity has been stolen with the abrogation of Article 370,” he said adding, “We have given two options to the government of India. Either the legislative seats should be same or more than Kashmir as we deserve it, going by the population and both Jammu and Kashmir should be given separate statehood.”
While the local Dogra residents of Jammu have said, “We never appreciated the decision and we never thought that Kashmir will be neglected like this. ”
Another local resident said that “We have been celebrating the day (August 05) as a black day. Not only the Kashmiris but the people from Jammu as well observe it as Black Day. When the erstwhile state acceded into India, it was a secular state. Nobody fulfilled their promises. The government of India has divided the people of Jammu Kashmir on the communal basis for the election agenda for votes.
He added, “Everything is going in reverse like hike in Petrol and unemployment. The residents have lost their right on their land,” he mentioned.
Vikraant Sharma, another Jammu resident, said that unemployment has increased manifold in Jammu Kashmir. “If they (BJP) think they will win even a single vote, that is their misconception,” he said.