‘Half-hearted, lacking conviction’: Mehbooba Mufti on Article 370 resolution passed in J&K assembly

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called the Article 370 resolution by the National Conference (NC) in the legislative assembly on Wednesday as "half-hearted" and the one that lacks conviction.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Mufti said that the resolution, demanding the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, was inadequate in both language and intent.

"The language could have been better," she said. "This is a half-hearted attempt, and we are considering amendments to the resolution."

She said while the resolution acknowledged concerns regarding the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status, it failed to explicitly condemn the "unconstitutional" move by the BJP government.

"Instead of unequivocally calling for the complete restoration of Article 370, the resolution merely suggests a dialogue. Dialogue with whom?," she asked.

Mufti said the PDP is considering amendments to ensure the resolution genuinely reflects the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

"This isn't about taking credit," she added. "Our stance is clear: we are committed to our election promises to fully oppose the revocation and seek its restoration."

On November 4, PDP legislator Waheed Parra had tried to submit a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370, but the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather didn't allow the move. The BJP and the NC legislators had opposed the submitting of resolution by Parra.

“Like the Constituent Assembly of Sheikh Abdullah time, this Assembly, too, is a transition to negotiate our relation. I have a small request that a resolution is passed in the House,” Parra told Rather.

"I, on behalf of my party, bring a resolution to oppose the J&K Reorganisation Act and for the restoration of Article 370,” Parra said.

However, Rather told Parra that the agenda of the House didn't permit such a move.