Art 370 abrogation restored justice to Valmiki community in J&K: HP governor

Shimla: Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday said that the abrogation of Article 370 marked a historic step towards justice for the Valmiki community in Jammu and Kashmir, which allegedly faced decades of discrimination and denial of rights under the erstwhile special status of the state. Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day 19th National Convention of the Akhil Bhartiya Valmiki Mahasabha at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, the governor said the removal of Article 370 ensured equal constitutional rights and opportunities for deprived sections, including Valmikis, West Pakistan refugees and Gorkhas. Gupta said thousands of Valmiki families settled in Jammu decades ago were long deprived of equal opportunities despite their contribution to society. Following the constitutional changes, he added, the community now enjoys access to education, govt jobs, welfare schemes and social safeguards on par with other citizens. The governor also stressed the need to strengthen moral values, social harmony and national unity, saying the teachings of Maharishi Valmiki continue to inspire society towards truth, compassion and service. MSID: 130975902 413 |