PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that her party would persist in its struggle for the reinstatement of special status to Jammu and Kashmir. She asserted that the recent Supreme Court decision on Article 370 does not represent the final word akin to "God's verdict." Mufti's comments followed the Supreme Court's December 11 decision upholding the Centre's move to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The court also directed the restoration of statehood and mandated elections to the assembly by September 30 next year.
In response to the verdict, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti stated, "We don't have to lose heart. We will continue our struggle. The Supreme Court is not God. The same Supreme Court had earlier said that Article 370 cannot be amended without the recommendation of the constituent assembly. They were also learned judges. Today, some other judges passed the ruling. We cannot treat it as God's verdict", as quoted by news agency PTI.
She expressed determination in the face of opposition, noting, "People opposing special status to J-K want us to give up. Our opponents want us to give up the fight, but we will continue till our last breath. We have made a lot of sacrifices, and we cannot let them go in vain."
Jharkhand Governor Hails Removal of Article 370 for Ensuring Equal Rights
On the other hand, Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday lauded the revocation of Article 370, emphasising that it has guaranteed equal rights and duties for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a group of J&K students at Raj Bhavan, he highlighted the region's importance in the country, stating, "Jammu and Kashmir have always been an essential part of our country. It is one of the best places in the world."
According to PTI, Governor Radhakrishnan pointed out, "Removal of Article 370 ensures equal rights and duties for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Now, people from across the country can go to Kashmir and buy land." He made these remarks while interacting with 122 youths from Jammu and Kashmir under the Kashmir Youth Exchange Programme 2023, organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra.
Highlighting the positive developments, he mentioned, "People are coming to India and seeing how development is taking place." The governor also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's various initiatives for the development of Jammu and Kashmir.
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