Sir — This refers to the editorial, “Blackmail at its worst” (May 30). National consensus is inevitably indispensable and absolutely mandatory to repeal Article 370 which provides special status to Jammu & Kashmir. It requires deliberation in Parliament, besides nationwide seminars, to highlight the importance of retention or abrogation.
It is not a fact that the provisions of the Article cannot be repealed or annulled in the larger national interest since it requires consent and approval of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu & Kashmir, which is non-existent. Because there is no Constituent Assembly, cannot the State Assembly amend relevant sections of the Constitution of Jammu & KashmirIJ
It must not be forgotten that Article 370 came into being as a temporary provision to assist the full integration of the State into the Indian Union. Although there is no time-bar for its existence, it cannot mean that there can’t be a review of the Article. Meanwhile the comments by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are shocking.