Srinagar, Aug 05: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday celebrated the 5th anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 in Srinagar. BJP General Secretary (Org) Ashok Koul, Minister of State and Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Dr Darakhshan Andrabi and BJP State Spokesperson Abhijeet Jasrotia participated in a special event held by the party at Jawahar Nagar Park here.
Prominent social activist and Advocate Sheikh Salman joined the BJP amid a roaring welcome by the party cadres present at the event in large numbers, an official statement said.
Speaking on the occasion, BJP General Secretary Organization Koul said, “During the past five years, the BJP as a strong nationalist political force has penetrated deep into Kashmir society and psyche. Article 370 was a license for separatists and their political mentors to keep Kashmir boiling and kill people for their narrow targets of hate and division. J&K got the real Azadi on August 5, 2019.”
In her address, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi said, “This is the day of freedom from hate politics, dynastic exploitation and the era of violence. On this day in 2019, Modiji laid the foundation for a new peaceful progressive J&K where no anti-national will be crowned and where no patriot will face humiliation or death threats. We are today celebrating peace, harmony and inclusiveness.”
Abhijeet Jastotia said, “In New Kashmir, Tiranga is the phenomenon in Kashmir where separatists ruled up to August 2019.”
Advocate Sheikh Salman thanked the BJP leadership for his welcome into the world’s largest political party and vowed to serve the mission of the BJP and India. Many prominent party leaders also participated in the event.
Later, a huge marathon was organised by the party which was led by Ashok Koul, Dr Darakhshan Andrabi and Abhijeet Jastotia from Nehru Park to Royal Springs Golf Course on Dal Lake Road celebrating the 5th anniversary of the “complete merger of J&K” with the country.
Holding national flags, the BJP cadres and general public chanted slogans in favour of India’s glory, the party said.
