National Desk
17 February
Ludhiana
Sandeep Dhand
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has advised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah not to support the central government’s decision to abrogate Articles 370 and 35A. She warned that doing so would legitimize what she called the “illegal and unconstitutional” actions of the BJP-led central government.
Mehbooba Mufti said that despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the Centre, many legal experts still believe that Article 370 cannot be removed by any authority, including Parliament. She claimed that while the BJP might not restore these special provisions, India as a country may have to do so in the future.
She urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to avoid any action that could weaken this argument. According to her, supporting the Centre’s decision would reduce the state’s status and harm efforts to restore its special rights.
Mehbooba Mufti stressed the importance of keeping the debate alive and maintaining pressure for the restoration of these rights. She believes that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should continue to fight for their identity and constitutional protections.
Her statement comes at a time when discussions on the rules and procedures of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly are taking place. She fears that any support from Omar Abdullah’s government could weaken the legal and political case for restoring Article 370.
The political debate over Jammu and Kashmir’s special status remains a sensitive issue, with regional parties determined to keep their demands alive.