Elections in JK a futile exercise: JKHCBA

Srinagar, Apr 10: J&K High Court Bar Association on Wednesday termed holding of parliamentary elections in J&K ‘a futile exercise’ and has extended support to the shutdown call given by Joint Resistance Leadership on April 11 and for respective areas on polling day.
“Elections in the past have not helped in the ‘resolution of the Kashmir dispute, in any manner whatsoever,” said General Secretary Bar Association after an Executive Committee meeting of the lawyers’ body.
“In terms of the UN Security Council Resolutions of 1952 and 1957, holding of elections in the State, are no substitute to the right of self-determination, guaranteed to the people of Kashmir by UNCIP Resolutions of 13.08.1948 and 05.01.1949 and also of those passed thereafter and will not in any manner constitute the final disposition of the State,” Bar Association said in a statement issued .
The lawyers’ body said that it would be both, in the interest of people of India and Pakistan to hold plebiscite in the State of J&K, in a fair and impartial manner, so as to give the people a chance to choose about their future in a democratic manner.
It was also stated that the ‘claims of repealing of Articles 35-A and 370 by the BJP will not also put the Kashmir issue on the backburner, as even after the repealing of those provisions of the Constitution, the UN Security Council Resolutions still hold the field as also reflected in the Proviso appended to Article 253 of the Constitution of India and both India and Pakistan are therefore bound to implement those resolutions and fulfil the promises and pledges made by their Leaders to the people of Kashmir at the International as well as Domestic level.’
“For establishing peace and tranquility in the sub-continent and give the people a right to live a peaceful and honourable life, it is necessary for the leadership of both the countries to shun the path of violence and the confrontational attitude and instead, demilitarize the state to facilitate the holding of plebiscite in the State of J&K,” Bar said.
Bar Association said that they support the programme given by the Joint Resistance Leadership for 11th of April, 2019 and on other poll dates.