How Did the Gorkha Community Celebrate the Sixth Anniversary of Article 370 Abrogation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sixth anniversary of Article 370 abrogation celebrated by the Gorkha community.
- Community expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi.
- Revocation seen as a path to peace and prosperity.
- Gorkha community now gaining representation in politics.
- Hope for continued development and equity.
Jammu, Aug 5 (NationPress) As the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir commemorated the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, the Gorkha community celebrated this significant occasion with great enthusiasm on Tuesday. Numerous members of the Gorkha community took to the streets, engaging in vibrant drumbeating to commemorate this pivotal moment in J&K's history.
It was on August 5, 2019, that the Parliament annulled the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and divided the state into two Union Territories (UTs) - J&K with a legislature and Ladakh without one.
The atmosphere was filled with jubilation among the Gorkha community, who viewed the revocation of the special status as the dawn of peace and prosperity in the region, effectively ending decades of discrimination and neglect. They expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his courageous decision made six years ago.
Karuna Chhetri, President of Jammu and Kashmir Gorkha Sabha, stated that their community had suffered from a lack of basic rights for decades while Articles 370 and 35A were in effect.
“Our children were denied equal opportunities in education and government employment. However, since the annulment of Article 370, our children are now treated on par with the locals and natives of Kashmir. We are celebrating this with boundless joy and enthusiasm,” he remarked.
On behalf of the Gorkha community, he extended gratitude to the Prime Minister for abolishing Article 370, asserting that it marked the end of years of injustice towards them.
“Having lived here for 200 years, we previously lacked equal rights. Past governments ignored our issues. The removal of Article 370 by PM Modi has enabled us to reclaim our rights. We are thankful to him for fulfilling his promise to us,” he added.
He also criticized Congress for its attempts to restore statehood by reintroducing Article 370.
“If the Congress party attempts to reinstate Article 370, we will risk our lives but will not go back to that era of darkness,” he asserted.
Manish Adhikari, another member of the community, remarked that today is a momentous day for them.
“We have been deprived of our rights for a long time. Since the removal of Article 370 and 35A, we have integrated into the mainstream of development,” he expressed.
He further mentioned that the Gorkha community has lived in the valley for 200 years, yet remained voiceless and overlooked by the political elite. With the changes that have occurred, they are finally gaining representation in shaping government policies.