Socialist Party (India) and Lok Rajniti Manch support the coming together of six mainstream parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Conference and People’s Democratic Party, to demand restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, which are a matter of identity and self-esteem for people of J&K. These articles represent the spirit of instrument of accession between Maharaja Hari Singh of J&K and Government of India through which the state became part of India and hence are a commitment given by Government of India to people of J&K. There was no need to sensationalise the issue of separate Constitution of J&K, which said that J&K is an integral part of India.
We also support the demand of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah), which has signed an agreement with Government of India in 2015 which talks about shared sovereignty and peace co-existence of two entities, to have a separate flag and Constitution without secession from India.
The more decentralised the political decision making, the more vibrant will be the democracy. Provisions like Article 370 and 35A should be extended to even other states, which would like to have them in the direction of more autonomy for states. Articles 243G and 243W of the Constitution even enable rural and urban local elected bodies to function as institutions of self-government and empower them to prepare plans for economic development and social justice.
Socialist Party (India) and Lok Rajniti Manch stand for maximum possible autonomy for states, municipalities and panchayats within a federal framework with mutual respect for each other among all elected bodies from the Gram Panchayat to the Union.
- Pannalal Surana, President, Socialist Party (India), 9423734089
- I.D. Khajuria, Lok Rajniti Manch and J&K Forum for Territorial Integrity, 9419152093
- Sandeep Pandey, Vice President, SP(I) and Lok Rajniti Manch, 0522 2355978
- Surabhi Agarwal, Spokesperson, SP(I), surabhiagwl@gmail.com
