Article 370 beyond political fight, about restoring dignity of J&K: Parra

Srinagar, Nov 4: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra Monday said that the restoration of Article 370 was beyond any fight between the political parties and it was about the restoration of dignity and pride of Jammu and Kashmir.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the J&K Legislative Assembly session, Parra said that he did not bring a resolution in the assembly to do politics or do opposition but the resolution talked about the legacy of the J&K's first leader Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and about the idea of the Jammu’s Maharaja.

“I don't think that the people in the house should oppose anyone. We are seeking restoration of Article 370 in its original spirit, in its pristine spirit, and restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir that was abrogated on August 5, 2019, by the Parliament of India,” he said.

Parra said that the assembly elections were held after 10 years and today’s Legislative Assembly session marked a historic day for many of us.

“So many people have voted, and the sentiments of the people have given confidence to this government, especially Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” he said.

Parra said that he brought a resolution for the restoration of Article 370 and some people might have felt bad.

“But our request is that without politics, this resolution should get unanimous support so that the sentiments of the people of Kashmir, who are their representatives. They feel that their votes should not be wasted. Issues like water, roads, electricity, and employment can wait but the resolution on Article 370 is about the dignity and identity of the people of J&K and it should be the first priority, and the first business of this house. That is why we felt that today is an important day,” he said.

Parra said that the Speaker was requested to bring this resolution into business during this session which would run for four days.

“They can bring it and make it part of a business. We have humbly requested him to make this resolution part of a business. And we ask for the support of the National Conference on this resolution,” the PDP legislator said.

He said that CM Omar Abdullah brought the first resolution to the cabinet on statehood but did not bring the resolution on Article 370.

“He did not even talk about it and instead went to Delhi as Chief Minister for the first time. They should have consulted all leaders of J&K irrespective of their ideologies and religions. They should have held an All-Party Meeting and told us what message they wanted to give to Delhi,” Parra said.

He said that the assembly was formed after five years and the people’s emotions were associated with the elected government and Omar Abdullah was the leader of everyone.

“He should have listened to the people. He should have called all of us and the leaders of the opposition,” Parra said.

He said that when the CM held the first cabinet meeting, he also asked for statehood and today when the LG gave his first speech, he also promised statehood.

“So there is no difference on this. Whether it is what the BJP says, or what the Prime Minister says in Delhi, or what the Home Minister says, or what Omar Abdullah says. They are on the same page,” Parra said.

He said that they do not want to create problems for the government.

“We pray that his government runs for five years. We are with him. He should not consider himself alone. We are all with him. Our party President, Mehbooba Ji has given us clear instructions that the government should run in a conducive atmosphere,” Parra said.