Srinagar: AIP Senior Leader and MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed has lent conditional support to the resolution moved by the National Conference (NC) for the restoration of special status for Jammu and Kashmir in the legislative assembly today.
“Our reservations stem from the fact that the resolution lacks specific mention of restoring special status under Article 370 of the Constitution of India,” AIP send in a statement to Kashmir Dot Com.
“Nevertheless, given the political exigencies, the AIP legislator voted in favor of the resolution with reservations. AIP stands firmly for the restoration of special status under Article 370 of the Constitution of India and views Article 35A as sine qua non.”
“This political ambiguity in the NC-backed resolution represents a half-hearted and unsatisfactory move, leaving unfulfilled the promises made by NC, PDP and other political organizations to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
“We have supported and voted for this resolution with reservations,” Sheikh Khursheed stated. “If the National Conference genuinely stands with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, this resolution is incomplete. There is no mention of Article 370 or 35A, no reference to the J&K Reorganization Act of 2019 and no commitment to oppose or reverse the measures that were imposed on August 5, 2019.”
Sheikh Khursheed underscored the importance of these key provisions, asserting that “The people of J&K deserve and have consistently voted for a strong and unwavering commitment to restoring Article 370 and 35A. These provisions are not merely legal clauses; they are the foundation of J&K’s identity, autonomy and rights.” He added that a resolution focused on restoring Article 370 and 35A remains an unfulfilled promise of the political parties.” (KDC)
