MARCH FROM JAMMU TO SRINAGAR, 26 NOVEMBER TO 1 DECEMBER, 2019

A march (partly by vehicle and partly on foot) has been planned from Jammu to Srinagar to demand restoration of democracy in Jammu & Kashmir. It will take place from November 26 to December 1, 2019.

We believe that the decision taken by the central government in August, regarding J&K, is undemocratic and, if the government thinks what it has done is in the interest of J&K, then it must get it endorsed by the people of J&K. But the manner in which curbs have been imposed on the fundamental right to freedom of expression and others, of the people of J&K, is analogous to giving a bitter pill to a child, saying that it is in the interest of the child, while not even allowing the child to cry after that. This is not how decisions are taken in any democracy. While the central government is engaged in a process of dialogue with the Nagas and the Bodos, to resolve their political issues in accordance with their wishes, it did not consider it worth its while to consult even a single Kashmiri before taking a decision which will significantly impact the lives of citizens of J&K adversely. 

The entire state of J&K cannot be punished in the name of separatists or terrorists, whose number is not more than a few hundred. What is worse is that even the political parties, local or national, are not being allowed to function. It is ironical that the courts, when allowing Opposition leaders to visit J&K, are making it a condition that they should not indulge in political activities, whereas Bharatiya Janata Party’s act has been a part of the political agenda of Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh for a long time. Will BJP be the only party allowed to carry on with its political agenda, of dividing the society on communal grounds, curbing civil liberties and disrupting peace, while the activities of all other organizations are banned? Is its narrative of one nation, one constitution, one language, etc. moving towards a one party rule in the country?

We accept this challenge of BJP, to finish democracy from this country, and declare this march with the objective of bringing back democratic norms and culture in this country. We request the individuals and organizations, who stand for maintaining communal harmony, defending civil liberties and preserving peace, to support us in this endeavor.

To participate in the march, please contact any of the following and reach Jammu latest by the morning of November 26, 2019. Also, please help us raise resources for this march by contributing or organizing donations. We expect an expenditure of about Rs. 60,000 for this endeavor, with Rs. 40,000 for the bus alone. Please make your financial contribution using the account details of J.A. Kazmi, General Secretary of J&K Forum for Peace and Territorial Integrity, given at the end of this note.

I.D. Khajuria, J&K Forum for Peace and Territorial Integrity, 9419152093, [email protected]

Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Bangladesh Bharat Pakistan People’s Forum, 9419148654

Faisal Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar, 9999746196, [email protected]

Meera Sanghamitra, National Alliance of People’s Movements, 7337478993, [email protected]

Feroze Mithiborwala, Bharat Bachao Andolan, 9029277751, [email protected]

Dr. Sunilam, Samajwadi Samagam, 9425109770, [email protected]

Sandeep Pandey, Socialist Party (India), 0522 2355978, [email protected]