Article 370 abrogation harmed the bond between J&K and the rest of the country: Omar Abdullah
On the 6th of December, National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah voiced his concern, asserting that the abrogation of Article 370 has detrimentally affected the connection between Jammu and Kashmir and the broader nation. Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s parliamentary statement, Abdullah highlighted the discontent among the residents of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regarding the decision to revoke the special status of the former state.
Abdullah emphasized that the commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 were not mere individual pledges but commitments made by the entire nation. He underscored that the bond disrupted by the abrogation was not a personal tie between an individual in Delhi and J&K but a link between the country and the state. Expressing dissatisfaction, Abdullah remarked, “If they believe that disrupting this connection is praiseworthy, then let them extend congratulations to each other.”
The National Conference Vice President, speaking to reporters in Pulwama, situated 31 kilometers from the state capital, stated that the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh exhibited their discontent during recent elections and would continue to do so in future assembly elections.
Abdullah pointed out that the delay in conducting assembly elections in the Union territory was leading Jammu and Kashmir down a path of destruction. He criticized the situation, stating that people had been deprived of their right to vote since 2014, characterizing it as a peculiar form of a fixed match. He highlighted the contradictory responses from the government and the Election Commission, further exacerbating the predicament.
Responding to the debate on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the Modi government aimed to establish a singular flag and constitution for the entire country.
Addressing a controversial remark made by a DMK leader that triggered a dispute, Abdullah expressed disapproval, suggesting that one should refrain from mocking the religious beliefs of others. He urged respect for diverse religious convictions, emphasizing the need to avoid statements that could offend religious sentiments.
Regarding the recent electoral setback of the Congress in assembly polls, Abdullah attributed it to the absence of the opposition bloc INDIA in the contest. He speculated that even if the India alliance had participated, the impact on Chhattisgarh and MP would likely have been minimal, though Rajasthan might have witnessed a different outcome. Acknowledging the situation, he announced a meeting scheduled for December 16 to reassess and strategize the India alliance for upcoming parliamentary polls.