Article 370 Is A Historical Reality Recognized By PDP-BJP, Says Mehbooba In Mumbai

Repeating her point that the Article 370, which guarantees special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is non-negotiable, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the Article 370 is not a mere constitutional provision but it promises the people of the State an emotional position within the constitutional framework of the country.

 She was addressing a gathering in Mumbai.

 “Article 370 is the basis of partnership of people of Jammu & Kashmir with their counterparts in rest of the country and the Agenda of Alliance between PDP and BJP has duly recognized that historic reality”, Mehbooba said.

 The Agenda of Alliance (AoA) between the PDP and BJP maintains that present position on all the constitutional provisions pertaining to J&K, including the special status in the Constitution of India will not be disturbed, thus giving the PDP assurances on the inviolability of the Article 370. 

 The AoA has conceded that both parties have historically held a different view on the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the need for it in the State at present, but they agreed the coalition government will examine the need for de-notifying ‘disturbed areas’.

 In recently concluded Assembly session in Jammu, Mehbooba had described all those as anti-nationals, who call for an abrogation of the Article 370.

 Mehbooba said she appeals people of the country for much more handholding in resolving the issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir. “The sensitivities of the State need to be recognized and appreciated which she said are different from any other State in the country”, she added.

 The Chief Minister said there was the need for reaching out to people of the State, particularly youth, in addressing the issues and finding an amicable way ahead. “Issues like revocation of AFSPA and dialogue with all stakeholders in the State should be taken in their perspective to enhance the trust and confidence of the people of the State”, she added.

 Chief Ministers of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Devinder Fadnavis and Shivraj Singh Chouhan also attended the session.

 Mehbooba is on a two day visit to Mumbai where she held a series of meetings with captains of Indian industry.