J-K Leaders Oppose Union Territory Foundation Day
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Javed Ahmed Rana, a minister and leader of the National Conference (NC), announced that they are not only boycotting but also rejecting the Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day. Rana emphasized the NC’s commitment to restoring statehood and special status for J-K, criticizing the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A.
Similarly, Mehbooba Mufti, Chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), declared that her party would continue to observe the UT Foundation Day as a black day until the special powers of the former state are restored. She expressed this sentiment in Anantnag, addressing the Governor.
Meanwhile, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha questioned NC leaders, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, for not attending the sixth UT Foundation Day celebrations. Sinha highlighted the importance of recognizing J-K’s current status as a Union Territory.
NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq reiterated the party’s stance, stating that they do not recognize J-K as a Union Territory, arguing that its status was unconstitutionally changed in 2019. The UT Foundation Day commemorates the creation of the Union Territory under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and was celebrated at the Convention Centre in Jammu.
Doubts Revealed
Union Territory -: A Union Territory is a region in India that is directly governed by the Central Government, unlike states which have their own governments. Jammu and Kashmir was made a Union Territory in 2019.
Foundation Day -: Foundation Day is a day to celebrate the creation or establishment of a place or institution. For Jammu and Kashmir, it marks the day it became a Union Territory.
Statehood -: Statehood means having the status of a state, which includes having its own government and more autonomy compared to a Union Territory.
Special Status -: Special Status refers to certain privileges and autonomy that Jammu and Kashmir had before 2019, allowing it to have its own laws and constitution.
Black Day -: A Black Day is a day of protest or mourning. Mehbooba Mufti calls the Foundation Day a Black Day to show disagreement with the current status of Jammu and Kashmir.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha -: LG stands for Lieutenant Governor, who is the representative of the Central Government in a Union Territory. Manoj Sinha is the current Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
NC -: NC stands for National Conference, which is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. They are opposing the Union Territory status.
PDP -: PDP stands for People’s Democratic Party, another political party in Jammu and Kashmir. Mehbooba Mufti is the chief of this party.
Unconstitutional -: Unconstitutional means not in accordance with the constitution or laws of the country. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq believes the Union Territory status is against the Indian Constitution.