Omar Abdullah, a prominent figure in the National Conference party in J&K, emphasized that the recent Supreme Court decision affirming the abrogation of Article 370 doesn’t settle the matter. He expressed his party’s commitment to keeping the issue alive until a future government shows willingness to discuss restoring special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah highlighted the transient nature of governments and the potential for future administrations to engage on this contentious issue. Despite setbacks, he reiterated his party’s determination to persist in their efforts, underscoring that the recent court ruling doesn’t deter their political advocacy.
He noted that various opposition parties share similar views, illustrating a broader consensus beyond Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah drew parallels with the BJP’s persistence in advocating for Article 370’s removal despite past challenges, affirming his party’s resolve to continue the discourse on reinstating special status.
Regarding the Congress’s stance, Abdullah expressed disappointment but refrained from blaming his ally, recognizing the complexities involved. He stressed the historical significance of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and lamented the lack of robust defense from those with a stake in preserving it.
Addressing protests in Ladakh following its transition to a Union Territory, Abdullah empathized with the grievances, cautioning against hasty decisions with irreversible consequences. He highlighted Ladakh’s diminished political representation post-transition and underscored the need for equitable solutions addressing concerns in both Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.