Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Saturday termed theamendments to J&K domicile law “another example of central governmentstoying around with J&K and its people, and a move bereft of any guaranteeagainst demographic changes here”.
Party spokesperson, Imran Nabi Dar termed the amendments”cosmetic in nature” sayingthe government of India had “just changed the route for non-statesubjects, while the destination is still open”.
“Instead of directly applying for the job, the non-statesubjects will first be doled out a domicile certificate and then the job,” hesaid adding that the provision of keeping domicile for anyone staying inJ&K for 7 years and above has already accommodated lakhs of non-statesubjects here.
“There is not an iota of doubt that domicile law will changethe demography of J&K and will essentially rob the rights of locals to jobshere,” he said.
He said the silence of government of India over land rightsin J&K was “suspicious”.
Dar said that the domicile law was mute on the protection ofland rights as there is nothing in the notification that offers protection tooriginal subjects of J&K.
“Will J&K need todo another round of ‘begging’ before New Delhi does a ‘favour’ of speaking outon this concern?” he asked.
The NC spokesperson said that democratic rights of people in Jammu and Kashmir were “in abeyance and New Delhi has no excuse to continue its highhandedness”.
Dar also demanded “restoration of democraticprocess”saying people of J&K had a right to decide for themselves.
“How long will New Delhi trample upon this fundamentalright to democracy?” he asked.
As per Dar, it was ” long due that people be allowed tochose their own government, a government that will represent their voice”.
“It is imperative that J&K has the same legislativeset up that it had prior to Aug 5. Else it is but a glorified municipalitymeant to muzzle the true representative voices.”
He said it was “humiliating that we have to wait forcentral government orders for everything to do with our lives”.