P Chidambaram bats for restoration of article 370
By: Tariq Shah VOV
Srinagar
With Prime Ministers all party meeting slated for June 24, with all the former chief ministers and deputy chief ministers of erstwhile JK state, former union home Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Monday has demanded for the restoration of article 370 in JK as the only way out to move forward.
He was quoted by media as saying that there should be repeal of JK Re-organization Act, 2019, and restoration of status quo ante in the erstwhile state.
“Status quo ante return to the pre-August 5, 2019 position is also what the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration has been seeking. This means restoration of special status and full statehood” P Chidambaram was further quoted.
Being a CWC member of Congress, his statement on Monday has assumed significance when he said, “Congress Party’s position that full statehood must be restored to J&K should clear any doubt or ambiguity. What was made under the Constitution cannot be unmade by an Act of Parliament misinterpreting and misusing the provisions of the Constitution.”
According to Tribune he said that dismembering of J&K has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the cases are pending for nearly two years.
“In the Monsoon session, Parliament should repeal the offending laws and restore the status quo ante in J&K. That is the only way to draw the starting line for a political resolution of the Kashmir issue. J&K was a ‘state’ that signed an Instrument of Accession and acceded to India. It must enjoy that status forever. J&K is not a piece of ‘real estate’. J&K is ‘people’. Their rights and wishes must be respected,” Chidambaram added.
The National Conference has challenged the JK Re-organization Act in the Supreme Court and the matter is pending.
With inputs from TNS
