NEFIS criticises BJP's decision to scrap Article 370
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 08 2019:
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) has criticised the recent decision of the BJP Government at the Centre to abolish Article 370 of the Indian Constitution.
A press release issued by member, convening committee, NEFIS said it believes that this decision would evoke sharp reactions from the people of Jammu and Kashmir since it has been abolished without consulting the people of the region.
This will further worsen the situation in the region and would cause further alienation of the people of Kashmir, added the statement.
Even before the scrapping of the Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir constituted an integral part of India, it said and added that many special privileges akin to Kashmir are also implemented in many other areas of the country and are not restricted to the region.
It said the unconstitutional and undemocratic step of downgrading Jammu and Kashmir from a State to a union territory and its bifurcation would intensify people's mistrust and also leave the people of Kashmir feeling betrayed.
With the present decision, the people of the North-East are also apprehensive that the step is only a prelude to the revoking of the special status given to them as well.
NEFIS criticised the decision of the BJP Government and expressed its solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in this grave hour.