Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief, Ghulam Nabi Azad, on Sunday said those opposing the abrogation of Article 370 are ignorant of the history and geography of the Union territory. He made the remark amid the Supreme Court hearing on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity behind the Centre’s move on August 5, 2019 to srip the erstwhile state of its special status guaranteed under Article 370.
Marking the fourth anniversary of the much-debated move this month, the BJP hailed the new era of peace, development and prosperity in Kashmir since the revocation of Article 370. Speaking to the Press in Doda, Azad took a swipe at regional parties without naming them. “Those who are opposing (the revocation of Article 370 in Supreme Court) are ignorant of the situation on the ground, as well as the history and geography of Jammu and Kashmir. Article 370 was not meant for any particular area, province or religion but was equally beneficial to all,” the former Congress leader said.
“I have full faith in the Supreme Court. I believe it will look into all aspects of this (abrogation of Article 370) move,” Azad added. Earlier, the BJP, in an official release, stated, “The abrogation of Article 370 has brought peace, development, and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir.” On the fourth anniverary of the revocation of Article 370, on August 5, former chief minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chief, Mehbooba Mufti, claimed she was put under “house arrest” along with other senior party leaders.