A half-day discussion on the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 was held at the Constitution Club of India here on Wednesday, with participants calling for greater democratic engagement and dialogue on the future of J&K.
The programme, titled “Listening to J&K: Dialogue, Dignity and Democratic Futurity,” was organised by Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi under the banner of The Justice Commons.
The inaugural session was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Prof. Manoj Jha, former interlocutor Radha Kumar, former Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah, MP Mohibullah Nadvi and members of civil society.
Welcoming the participants, Ruhullah said meaningful dialogue on J&K was more important than ever. Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, he maintained that the decision was taken without the consent of the people of J&K. While affirming respect for the Supreme Court’s judgment, he said many people in the Union Territory continued to feel that their democratic aspirations had not been adequately reflected in the process.
He argued that the consent cited by the Centre had come from the then Governor’s administration rather than an elected Assembly.
Ruhullah also said demands relating to Article 370 and restoration of statehood should not be viewed through the prism of anti-nationalism and stressed the need for open dialogue to bridge the trust deficit. Speaking at the event, Prof. Manoj Jha described India as a Union built on the collective will of its states and argued that the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated had weakened the country’s federal compact. He said engagement with students and citizens had deepened his understanding of the Kashmir issue and highlighted the need for dialogue rather than political polarisation. MP Mohibullah Nadvi said Kashmir, once known for its beauty and harmony, had suffered because of evil eye and divisive forces. He stressed the need to restore peace, trust and dignity to the region through dialogue and democratic engagement.
Former diplomat Wajahat Habibullah, Radha Kumar and other participants also shared their views on the constitutional and political developments in J&K, emphasising the need for democratic participation, reconciliation and sustained engagement with the people of the region. Chairman J&K Civil Society Forum, Abdul Qaayoom Wani was also present.
