Nov 17: Senior BJP leader and former Member of Parliament, Tsering Namgyal, has asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A was not only a Constitutional milestone but also a move that resonated deeply with the people of Ladakh.
Namgyal strongly refuted the statement made by National Conference (NC) MP from Srinagar, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, regarding the resolution passed by the J&K Legislative Assembly. He reiterated that the BJP firmly stands by the constitutionality and necessity of the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, which he termed as essential for the integration of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh with the rest of India.
In a statement issued today, Namgyal said, “This landmark decision, passed with the approval of the Indian Parliament, was a reflection of the collective will of the nation to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, including those in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.” He added, “The claim that this decision was unconstitutional is unfounded and misleads the public. The removal of these provisions was essential to integrate these regions fully into the fabric of Bharat, fostering unity, equality, and national strength. It has paved the way for equitable development and the protection of fundamental rights for all residents.”
The former MP emphasized that the move to make Ladakh a separate Union Territory had significantly accelerated its development, preserved its unique cultural heritage, and opened new avenues for economic and infrastructural growth. “This historic change has empowered Ladakhis, who now have the autonomy to voice our aspirations directly, ensuring our development is tailored to our unique needs,” Namgyal remarked.
Referring to the statement by the JKNC leader, Namgyal said it was an attempt to impose a narrow interpretation that does not reflect the varied sentiments of the region’s people. “Such misinterpretations only serve to deepen political divides and hinder forward-looking progress,” he added.
Namgyal also criticized the INDI Alliance for supporting the JKNC’s push to reinstate Article 370 and 35A and revert to pre-1953 conditions, calling it regressive and a move that posed significant security risks. “Historically, these provisions contributed to an environment that enabled terrorism, stone-pelting, and gun culture to take root, destabilizing the erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir. By advocating for a return to these provisions, the JKNC risks reviving an era marked by violence and unrest, which the people of Ladakh and the peace-loving people of the broader region have no desire to revisit,” he said.
Namgyal concluded by reaffirming that the people of Ladakh are committed to progress, peace, and development, and the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A was a crucial step towards ensuring a brighter future for the region.
