On the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Mehbooba Mufti targeted the government and said that the constitution has been violated. She appealed to the countrymen to be aware and protect democracy.
Jammu-Kashmir: Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has once again bly attacked the central government regarding the abrogation of Article 370. She termed it a 'black day' not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire country. Mehbooba said that the constitution was torn to shreds in Parliament and the special status of the state was abolished with a unilateral decision.
She said that on the strength of the majority, the government had abolished Article 370 and 35A from Jammu and Kashmir on August 5, 2019. The far-reaching consequences of this decision will not be limited to Kashmir but will affect the entire country. She said, "I want to say to the people of the country, wake up. This is not just our issue but a violation of your rights too."
Echoes of Protests
On the sixth anniversary of the removal of Article 370, various parties and organizations held protests in Jammu and Kashmir. In Srinagar, leaders and activists of the National Conference took out a protest march. They demanded from the central government that the status of the state should be restored and Jammu and Kashmir should be given the status of a full state again.
The PDP and other regional parties, while observing this day as a 'black day', accused the Center of taking a unilateral and unconstitutional decision. Mehbooba Mufti said that what happened in 2019 is a serious warning for the country's democracy.
Security Arrangements and Center's Preparation
Before the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held an important meeting with top security officials to review the security situation of the country. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka attended the meeting. The meeting was held in the Home Minister's chamber located in the Parliament House complex.
According to sources, the meeting discussed the internal security of the country and the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir. It is believed that the central government is taking vigilance at every level in view of the upcoming potential decisions.
Important Hearing in Supreme Court on August 8
The Supreme Court will now hear on August 8 the petition seeking restoration of statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan requested Chief Justice of India BR Gavai that this petition should be heard on the same day. He said that this matter is already listed for August 8 and there is no need to postpone it. The Chief Justice accepted this request.
This petition has been filed as a miscellaneous application in reference to previously pending cases related to Article 370 of the Constitution. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the decision to abrogate Article 370. However, the Court had also said that the status of the state would be restored soon and assurance was given by the Central Government in this regard.
Mehbooba Mufti's Warning and Appeal
Mehbooba Mufti not only attacked the central government but also warned the common citizens of the country. She said that when the constitution is bypassed in the name of majority, it does not remain a problem of any one state or community. She said, "If this has happened to Jammu and Kashmir today, it can happen to you tomorrow. Protecting the constitution is everyone's responsibility."
She also said that ending the identity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is part of a broader strategy, which is weakening the federal structure of the country. Mehbooba also emphasized that people should raise their voice for their constitutional rights, otherwise democracy will become just a facade in the future.
