Shiv Sena (UBT) demands separate statehood, Article 371 for Jammu

JAMMU, Aug. 5: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Jammu & Kashmir unit, along with the National Hindu Welfare Organisation, on Tuesday staged a protest near the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh, launching its “Jammu Dharma Yudh” campaign and reiterating its demand for separate full statehood for the Jammu region and constitutional safeguards under Article 371.

Addressing the gathering, Shiv Sena (UBT) J&K President Manish Sahni said that at the time of the political changes on August 5, 2019, the people of Jammu were promised an end to regional discrimination, balanced development and restoration of the region’s dignity. However, seven years later, Jammu continues to face political, administrative and economic neglect, he alleged.

“Like the Pandavas, Jammu too has been betrayed by its own people. If injustice and neglect continue despite Jammu & Kashmir being under direct Central administration, accountability must rest with the Central Government and the BJP, which secured the people’s mandate in the name of Jammu,” Sahni said.

He alleged that attempts were being made to alter Jammu’s demographic balance. According to him, the increasing presence of illegal Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators, mounting pressure on local resources, and the growing dominance of outside companies and contractors posed a serious challenge to the social and economic interests of the region’s permanent residents.

Sahni said Jammu now needed constitutional rights rather than mere assurances. Reiterating the party’s demand for separate full statehood and the extension of Article 371 to Jammu, he said such constitutional safeguards were essential to protect the land, government jobs, local trade and natural resources of the region’s permanent residents.

He also appealed to students and young people to actively participate in the movement, saying, “History bears witness that every major transformation has been led by the youth. The time has come not to remain spectators, but to take the lead and carry this fight for Jammu’s dignity and rights to its logical conclusion.” On the occasion, Sunny Pradhan, National President of RHKS, was present along with dozens of party leaders and workers.”