Abrogation of Art 370 ended decades of injustice to Valmikis in J&K: Guv Kavinder

Palampur, May 9: The  Governor of Himachal Pradesh, Kavinder Gupta, today asserted that the abrogation of Article 370 was a landmark and historic step towards justice for the long-suffering Valmiki community of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the community had endured 70 years of injustice, denial of rights, and exclusion under the shadow of the special provision. He stated that with the scrapping of Article 370, the Valmiki Samaj of J&K would finally receive their rightful place, dignity, and equal opportunities as citizens of India.

The Governor was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day 19th National Convention of the Akhil Bhartiya Valmiki Mahasabha at the auditorium of Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur. Earlier, he formally inaugurated the convention by lighting the ceremonial lamp and paying floral tributes to Maharishi Valmiki and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Addressing a large gathering of delegates, social activists, scholars, and members of the Valmiki community from across the country, Governor Kavinder Gupta said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the bold and historic decision to abrogate Article 370, thereby ensuring justice and constitutional rights to all sections of society in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly the deprived communities such as the Valmikis, West Pakistan refugees, and Gorkhas.
The Governor said that today, after the abrogation of Article 370, the Valmiki community in Jammu & Kashmir is living a dignified life and enjoying equal rights at par with other citizens of the country.

Kavinder Gupta said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” has been effectively translated into action on the ground. He noted that continuous improvements are being witnessed in the fields of education, healthcare, and employment across the country and that equal opportunities are now being ensured for all sections of society.
The Governor emphasised that the empowerment of youth and women has emerged as a strong pillar in the journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Earlier, office bearers of the Mahasabha warmly welcomed and honoured the Governor. Representatives from various states felicitated him on the occasion.