Omar should refrain from endorsing Centre’s abrogation of Art 370, 35A: Mehbooba

jj correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 16: Peoples Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday asked Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to refrain from endorsing the Centre’s abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A in the formulation of business rules for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
The former chief minister warned that such a move would legitimise the “illegal and unconstitutional” actions taken by the BJP-led central government to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A.
In a strongly worded statement, the PDP president said despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favour of the Centre’s decision, several legal experts believe that Article 370 cannot be abrogated by any authority, including Parliament.
“While the BJP may not restore these rights, it is likely that India, as a nation, will have to do so sooner or later. Any endorsement by the J&K government would weaken this claim and diminish the state’s position. We have to keep the argument and narrative alive,” she said.
Mufti also reminded the BJP-led Union government of the understanding it showed during the peak of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Thousands of FIRs of stone pelters were quashed and Ramazan ceasefire was declared. A high-powered delegation was sent to engage with the people of J&K, including separatists, who unfortunately declined the offer,” she said.
“At the time, separatists believed that stone-pelting, burning schools and hospitals, and attacking army camps and police stations would resolve the Kashmir issue. However, things only worsened,” she added.
The PDP president urged the BJP to come down from its “high horse” and acknowledge that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is not as normal as it appears.
“The façade of normalcy has been created by the force of agencies and the imposition of draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“But this will not last forever. The government must reconsider its approach, reach out to the people, and build on the confidence-building measures initiated during my tenure,” she said.