Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah spent an anxious weekend fearing mainstream politicians may once again be put under house arrest ahead of the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370 petitions on Monday.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to pronounce its verdict on December 11 on a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution which bestowed special status on the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the other hand, PDP Chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti invoked the Supreme Court’s prior decisions, highlighting that the court had previously maintained that Article 370 could only be scrapped based on the recommendations of the constituent assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. Emphasizing the constitutional implications, Mufti asserted that any decision contrary to this established process would not only be against the constitution but also the very spirit of the idea of India.
Addressing a gathering of the party workers in Bijbehara, Anantnag Mehbooba Mufti urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to lose hope and emphasized the importance of unity to secure their rights and restore their identity and dignity.
In Jammu, the Democratic Progressive Azad Party expressed hope that the Supreme Court judgment on Article 370 will meet the expectations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The senior party leaders also flayed the BJP-led government for delaying assembly polls and restoring statehood to the Union Territory.
Interacting with the media persons in Kulgam on Saturday, Omar Abdullah said he could only hope and pray the decision is in favor of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“They need an excuse to put us under house arrest and they have an excuse. As we are unaware of the decision, so are they. If they know, then there should be an investigation”. “Who will say with authority what is to happen? I do not have any such machinery or way by which I can come to know today what those five honorable judges have in their hearts, or what they have written in the judgment.
