Srinagar, July 11 (KNS): National Conference (NC) Vice-President and former Chief Minister J&K Omar Abdullah Tuesday welcomed Supreme Court’s decision of hearing petitions challenging Article 370, saying “We appeal and are hopeful that SC will expedite the proceedings of the case and deliver justice to people of J&K”.
“We were waiting for this day since August 2019. We believe our argument is concrete and case is strong. We hope and appeals to SC to sum up the proceedings within the shortest possible time,” former CM Omar Abdullah as per KNS said while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a prayer meeting held at Naseem Bagh on 23rd death anniversary of Madre Maharban.
Omar said we are hopeful that hearings won’t take much time as SC has linked many issues with the proceedings of Article 370. “SC has linked petitions challenging delay in assembly elections in J&K with it so proceedings on Article 370 should be summed up as soon as possible. We will put forth our argument and expect justice from the apex court.” Omar said and added, “The injustice and fraud committed with people of J&K on August 05, 2019 should be rolled back”.
To a query, he said that if Article 370 was temporary then GOI should clarify in what sense it was kept temporary in the Constitution. “Earlier it was promised that people of J&K will be given an opportunity to decide their future through plebiscite. However later we said J&K is part of India. So if merger becomes permanent similarly Article 370 becomes too everlasting”.
While replying to remarks that post-abrogation of Article 370 J&K witnessed immense development and end of militancy and separatism in J&K, the former chief minister Omar Abdullah said, “Whatever development is going on in J&K is apparent to every person. Mere one hour rain leads to flood in the city. Roads are damaged, electricity is out of order and inflation is at its peak. There was normalcy even before 1989. Was there no need to remove Article 370 at that time? Pre-2014 situation was much better than today. Record number of tourists visited Kashmir valley then. In 2011 elections 80 to 90 percent voters came out to polling booths”.
When asked to comment on Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he said there is no proposal so far but only is being said from PM that UCC will be imposed. “Once proposal comes we will put forth our argument. We heard few communities in the country will be given reservations, and if it is right we too seek reservations for Muslims,” Omar added. (KNS)