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.
Governor Addresses National Convention
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.
Decades of Deprivation
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, government jobs, welfare schemes and social safeguards on par with other citizens.
Call for Unity
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.
