Jammu, February 25 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the long-standing portrayal of Article 370 as a “temporary and transitional” provision, arguing that it was intrinsically linked to the commitment of a plebiscite in the region.
In a televised interview on Tuesday, Abdullah challenged what he described as a selective interpretation of Article 370’s status.
“You call Article 370 temporary and transitional. But why was it temporary? What was it transitioning towards? Why don’t you talk about that? A promise of plebiscite was made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy, was revoked by the Indian government in 2019, a move that reignited debates over historical commitments. Critics argued that the abrogation disregarded past assurances made to the region.
During the interview, Abdullah acknowledged that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had improved post-abrogation but linked this to New Delhi’s heavy-handed policies. His remarks prompted criticism from opposition leaders, who accused him of shifting his stance.
A senior National Conference (NC) insider dismissed the allegations, asserting that Abdullah had consistently maintained the same position. The source pointed to multiple past interviews where Abdullah had noted that separatist sentiment in Kashmir was dormant and street protests had largely disappeared.
In an interview last year with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia, Abdullah acknowledged the improvement in the situation but questioned its sustainability.
“Yes, the situation has improved, but is that because of genuine change or because of the iron-fist policies of the Centre? That is the question,” he had said.
An NC party member criticized what they called selective outrage, stating, “It seems people have suddenly woken up from a deep slumber and become fierce critics of those in power, despite having remained silent or even complicit with an unelected government in Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past. We welcome criticism, but falsehoods must be called out.”
The debate over Article 370 continues to be a focal point in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, with Abdullah’s remarks adding fresh impetus to discussions on historical commitments and their implications.
The Chenab Times News Desk