Srinagar, December 09, 2023: In remarks likely to stir political discourse, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed apprehension about the impending Supreme Court verdict on Article 370. She voiced her concern that the decision could be detrimental to not only the interests of Jammu and Kashmir but also the nation as a whole.
Addressing the media on Saturday, Mufti pointed to recent actions by the Jammu and Kashmir administration, suggesting they foreshadowed a potentially unfavorable judgment. She reiterated her stance that the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 was “illegal, unconstitutional, and against the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Mufti urged the Supreme Court to deliver a clear and unambiguous verdict, emphasizing that the 2019 decision by the BJP-led central government was detrimental. She further expressed her firm belief that restoring the revoked provisions of Article 370 is the only path towards a peaceful and prosperous future for Jammu and Kashmir.
Article 370 of the Indian Constitution conferred special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, in August 2019, the BJP-led government revoked this provision, triggering widespread protests and anxieties in the region. The Supreme Court is currently holding hearings on petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370, and a verdict is anticipated soon.
Mufti’s statements have elicited diverse reactions across the political spectrum. While some have voiced support for her concerns, others have criticized her for allegedly fostering fear and negativity. The upcoming Supreme Court verdict is highly anticipated and is expected to have significant implications for Jammu and Kashmir and the wider Indian political landscape.
