Srinagar, 11-12-2023 : In response to the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the abrogation of Article 370, Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), expressed profound dismay, characterizing the verdict as tantamount to a “death sentence.” In a five-minute video message posted online, Mufti emphasized that the ruling not only signifies a setback for Jammu and Kashmir but also represents the defeat of the foundational idea of India to which the Muslim-majority state acceded in 1947.
She contested the court’s assertion that Article 370 was considered temporary and, therefore, justifiably revoked. Mufti contended that this legal development not only symbolizes the defeat of her region but also marks the defeat of the very essence of India as envisioned during its formation. She reflected on the historical context, recalling the unity of Muslims in Jammu and Kashmir with Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, and Christians in embracing the Gandhian India that rejected Pakistan.
Despite the disheartening verdict, Mufti urged the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh not to lose hope. She viewed the court’s decision as a temporary setback rather than a final destination, cautioning against misinterpreting it as an end. Mufti emphasized the need for resilience, asserting that the political struggle in Jammu and Kashmir spans decades and is far from over.
Mufti criticized the ruling party at the Centre for betraying the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She lamented the declaration of Article 370 as temporary, contending that it has strengthened forces in the region claiming that the accession to India is also temporary. Mufti underscored the historical promises, the special status granted, and the subsequent betrayal, stating that the ruling party has weakened the country by undermining the constitutional provision.
In a broader warning to the rest of the country, Mufti urged people not to celebrate the abrogation of Article 370, cautioning that what has begun in Jammu and Kashmir might extend to other parts of the nation. She expressed concerns about potential threats to the Constitution and the national flag, urging citizens to prepare for challenges ahead and counter them with courage rather than celebration.