Srinagar, Omar Abdullah, the Vice-President of the National Conference, expressed his surprise over the abrogation of Article 370, stating that he did not foresee the move until it actually occurred. This revelation was shared in a series of posts on the social media platform X, highlighting the unexpected nature of the decision that stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special constitutional status.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Abdullah recounted assurances from the Governor that had led him to believe there were no plans to abolish Article 370. His comments were made against the backdrop of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s promotion of a development narrative that he now criticizes as false. Omar Abdullah voiced his frustration in New Delhi over the failure to conduct Assembly elections in the region, five years after the significant constitutional change on August 5, 2019.

Abdullah, who was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) for his participation in elections, highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the region, contradicting claims that the abrogation would solve the longstanding issues. He specifically mentioned the situation of Kashmiri Pandits, noting that their displacement was not due to Article 370, and their continued absence post-abrogation challenges the justifications provided for the constitutional change.

This candid reflection from a prominent political figure in Jammu and Kashmir sheds light on the complexities and unmet promises following the controversial decision, underscoring the need for a reevaluation of the policies and promises made in the wake of Article 370’s abrogation.