Srinagar: Farooq Abdullah, the president of the National Conference (NC) and former Chief Minister, has committed to the reinstatement of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that the special provision will be restored regardless of the time it may take. This statement represents a significant reaffirmation of his party’s stance on the contentious issue which has been at the heart of regional politics since its revocation.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdullah’s comments were made in response to a recent statement by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who declared that the restoration of Article 370 would be impossible as long as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in power. The NC leader contested this claim during a press interaction in Baramulla district, highlighting the enduring demand for the provision’s return among the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I want to ask Rajnath how many years did it take for them (BJP) to revoke it? We might take many years to restore it, but we will surely restore it. This is the voice of the whole J-K, this is the voice of the people,” Abdullah stated, underscoring the widespread local support for the initiative.

Further criticizing the BJP’s rationale for the abrogation of Article 370, Abdullah pointed out the ongoing security challenges in the region, questioning the central government’s attribution of terrorism to the erstwhile constitutional provision. “They were saying terrorism is there because of Article 370…I want to ask them, where is this terrorism coming from then? Let them answer,” he challenged.

The NC leader also held the central government accountable for the current state of affairs in the region, referencing historical events such as the hijacking of flight IC814 and the controversial release of militants, which he argued were mishandled by New Delhi. These actions have had long-standing repercussions on the security and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah’s firm stance on Article 370 comes amid a complex backdrop of political, legal, and social dynamics in the region, marking a continued point of contention between the state leadership and the central government.