100 Days of Repression in Kashmir: Citizens’ Convention in Lucknow

CITIZENS' organizations held a convention at Lucknow on 13 November 2019 to protest against the completion of 100 days of state repression against the people of Kashmir and to show solidarity with them and demand protection of their democratic rights. The organizations included AIDWA, AIPWA, Sajhi Duniya, Women’s Federation, NAPM, Hamsafar and Rihayee Manch. AIDWA leader Madhu Garg conducted the program. The convention passed a resolution demanding reinstatement of democracy and normal life in Kashmir.

Addressing the Convention, former Vice Chancellor Lucknow Univ. Dr Rooprekha Verma said that the myth is being spread that the abrogation of Article 370 will end terrorism. Obnoxious statements are coming from BJP-RSS leaders about how ‘we will now marry fair Kashmiri girls’. She said that for these people Kashmir is a piece of coveted land and they have no regard for the people of Kashmir. AIDWA National Vice President Sudha said that innocent women, children and people of Kashmir are being subjected to atrocities while the BJP is busy furthering its agenda of Hindu Rashtra. NAPM leader Arundhati Dhuru, Rihayee Manch leader Shoaib, Rakesh (IPTA), journalist Nasiruddin were among those who addressed the symposium and expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and the need for all of us to stand up for their democratic and human rights. The convention concluded with a resolution for reinstatement of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, revoking of draconian AFSPA, and solidarity with the people of Kashmir. JASAM activists Kaushal Kishore, Ajay Sharma, Kamal, Kamlesh and others were present at the program.