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The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been thrown into disarray following the government's decision to boycott the Union Territory's Foundation Day celebrations. The ruling coalition, comprising the National Conference and Congress, has refused to participate in the event in Srinagar, citing their non-recognition of J&K as a Union Territory. This move has sparked a war of words between the opposition and the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, highlighting the deep divisions that persist over the status of the region.
The decision to boycott the Foundation Day stems from the coalition's unwavering stance against the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked the state's special status and transformed it into Union Territories. The National Conference and Congress vehemently oppose this change, arguing that it undermines the identity and autonomy of J&K. Their absence at the Foundation Day event serves as a stark reminder of their continued resistance to the current political reality.
Lt Governor Sinha, however, has accused the opposition of hypocrisy, highlighting their oath-taking as MLAs of a Union Territory while simultaneously boycotting its official celebration. He views their actions as a display of 'dual character,' accusing them of seeking political advantage while refusing to acknowledge the constitutional framework within which they operate. His remarks underscore the deep political divide in J&K, where the opposition's stance is perceived by some as a tactic to gain public support without accepting the legal status quo.
The debate surrounding the Foundation Day extends beyond a mere symbolic event. It symbolizes the broader conflict over J&K's future. While the Lieutenant Governor emphasizes the past five years as an era of 'peace, prosperity, and development' under the UT framework, the opposition vehemently insists that the current situation is a form of 'disenfranchisement,' not development. Their demand for statehood is not simply a political strategy, but a fundamental assertion of their right to self-determination and their vision for a more autonomous future.
The boycott of the Foundation Day event has brought into sharp focus the divergent visions for J&K's future. It highlights the continuing tension between those who believe in a future within the framework of a Union Territory and those who advocate for the restoration of statehood and a greater degree of autonomy. The political landscape in J&K is likely to remain turbulent, with the Foundation Day event serving as a stark reminder of the deeply rooted differences that shape the region's political discourse.
Source: Jammu and Kashmir government boycotts Foundation Day event, Lt Governor calls it dual character