Srinagar, Oct 18: Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman Hakim Mohammad Yasin Sunday restoration of statehood without  Article 370 and 35(A) in Jammu and Kashmir would be a “meaningless”.

According to the party statement, Yasin while addressing a party meeting in Srinagar said that Home Minister Amit Shah’s reiteration of commitment to statehood is a welcome step but immediate fulfillment of the promise on statehood without the restoration of Article 370 and 35(A) is “meaningless” and “unacceptable”.

He said “it is not the case of mere statehood but restoration of Article 370 and Article 35 (A) is must as special status is the political identity of Jammu and Kashmir once a sovereign state now reduced from the state of the Union of India to a union territory”.

Hakeem said restoration of statehood along with restoration of Article 370 and Article 35 A is not a favor to the people of Jammu and Kashmir but their genuine and legitimate right.

Yasin reiterated his party’s support to any party, group or individual over any initiative for restoration of statehood, Article 370 and Article 35(A) and said question of going back on this promise doesn’t arise at all under any circumstances.

Asking Home Minister Amit Shah to return what has been snatched from the people of Jammu and Kashmir last year, Hakeem hoped that Home Minister would very soon restore the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and as well as Article 370 and Article 35 (A) as it existed till August 4, 2019.

This post was published on October 18, 2020