Srinagar, July 11: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir expressed their appreciation for the Supreme Court’s decision to conduct day-to-day hearings on a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution. The apex court’s announcement to commence these hearings from August 2 received positive responses from various parties.
Omar Abdullah, leader of the National Conference (NC), expressed confidence in the strong case for the restoration of Article 370. He noted the significant time it took for the case to reach the Supreme Court, indicating the strength of their arguments. Abdullah emphasized that despite attempts to justify the abrogation by linking it to tourism or global events, the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was legally and constitutionally wrong.
Mehbooba Mufti, chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), highlighted the Supreme Court’s decision to not rely on the government’s affidavit on the abrogation. She stated that it vindicated her stance that the move by the BJP-led Union government lacked a logical explanation. However, she expressed concerns about the court’s sudden alacrity in taking up the petitions after years of silence.
Tanvir Sadiq, the spokesperson for the NC, welcomed the decision and stated that it brought hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir who have been awaiting justice for the past four years. He emphasized the need for thorough hearings and a verdict in their favor, expressing confidence in the strength of their case.
M.Y. Tarigami, a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), regarded the Supreme Court’s decision as a positive intervention and hoped for a just outcome for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The central government abrogated Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and reorganized the erstwhile state into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
