Srinagar: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) President Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sunday hoped that the Supreme Court of India would announce the decision of Article 370 in favour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I hope and pray the present Supreme Court bench, which is neutral and taking care of poor people, will give their decision in favour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, Azad told media persons in Srinagar on Sunday.
The Supreme Court of India is to announce the decision of Article 370 and 35A on the petitions filed by several political parties, social activists, and individuals after more than four years on Monday.
The former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister said that for the past more than four years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been waiting for justice on the things that were snatched to them in the shape of Article 370 and Article 35A.
He said that under the provisions of Article 35A, it was not allowed that any outsider could purchase land or seek a job in Jammu and Kashmir. He said it was very important for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I truly believe this provision was provided by the then emperor Maharaja Hari Singh in 1925 to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The DPAP president said that later on, after independence, the provision of Maharaja Hari Singh regarding Article 35A was also included in the constitution of India by the then government.
“A chain in the shape of Article 35A that was going on for over 100 years, even before and after independence… and so many governments changed during the period, but nobody could change it. Now it has been changed,’ he added.
He said, “The central government deceived every sect of the community, including Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, Paharai villagers, urban dwellers, and politicians, by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A sentimentally, not politically, without considering their profit and loss.”
He said Articles 370 and 35A are very important for generations to come and even today for Jammu and Kashmir.
“If these articles are being removed, I told you at the formation of my APDP that no political party, if they say get us elected, we will bring it back… is not possible as it is not in their hands,” he warned.
Articles 370 and 35A can be revoked only in Parliament or by the Supreme Court of India.
“Only Prime Minister Modi or the Supreme Court can revoke these provisions…Modi did not do it. Now, for the past over four years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are waiting to hear when the decision will come in their favor,” Azad said.
UNI
