New Delhi: Senior Congress leader and MP P Chidambaram on Monday, reacting to Article 370 verdict by the Supreme Court said said, prima facie we respectfully ”disagree” with the judgment on the manner in which it was abrogated in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We respectfully disagree with the verdict. Article 370 deserved to be honoured,” he said.
At a press conference held at AICC headquarters here, Chidambaram said, “We reiterate the CWC resolution that Article 370 deserved to be honoured until it was amended strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India.”
Expressing his disappointment over not deciding the question of dismembering the state, he claimed, “We are also disappointed that the Top Court did not decide the question of dismembering the state and reducing its status to two UTs.”
On full statehood matter, the former Union Minister said, “The Congress has always demanded the restoration of full statehood after it has become the UT of J&K.
We welcome the SC’s verdict in this regard. Full statehood must be restored immediately. The aspirations of the people of Ladakh must also be fulfilled.”
Welcoming the Apex Court’s direction on holding assembly election, Chidambaram said that we welcome the SC’s direction to hold the assembly election.
“We believe the election should be held immediately,” he added. “J&K has been an integral part of India and the people of J&K are Indian citizens. We reiterate our resolve to work for the security, peace, development and progress of J&K.”
Chidambaram said when elections are held, the people of J&K will have an opportunity to express their views on it.
UNI
