Hope, apprehensions and anxiety in J&K as SC set to pronounce verdict on Article 370

Srinagar: As the Supreme Court of India will pronounce its judgement on a batch of pleas challenging the abrogation of Article 370 on December 11, the people and politicians of Jammu and Kashmir are waiting for the “crucial moment” with hope, apprehensions, and anxiety.

“Two days from now the Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on an issue which is critical for us. We look forward with apprehension but there is hope too which has only been strengthened by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud’s public pledge that he is a servant of the law and the Constitution,” said Imtiyaz Ahmed Langoo, a Srinagar resident.

But for Tasleema Jan, who also lives in Kashmir’s main town, there is no hope of the Government of India’s August 5, 2019 decisions being declared null and void. She said, “At least, Articles 370 and 35A will not come back. I wish they do, but when we look at the pattern of decisions by the courts on vital issues given in recent times, I’m not hopeful at all.”

Another Kashmiri Nazir Ahmed Shah said, “I would consider it a miracle if the top court only asks the government to restore J&K’s statehood and initiate steps towards safeguarding the rights and interests of the people of J&K and our lost identity”. He added, “Frankly speaking, I expect only that much from the court. Article 370 is not going to come back. Article 371 like consideration can be a possibility.”

Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah, however, said that nobody can predict what the SC verdict would be like. He told reporters in southern Kulgam district, “Who is the one who can say with authority that he already knows what is going to happen. I don’t have any such machinery, nor do I have any such mechanism through which I can find out what is there in the hearts of these five honourable judges or what have they written in the judgment.”

He added, “I can only hope and pray that the verdict that will come out will be in our favour. But nobody can claim that he already knows there will be victory for us in it. We’re waiting for the verdict. Let it come…we will talk after that.”

People Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti said that the J&K administration has, through its latest actions, indicated that the verdict of the SC would only be to further the BJP’s agenda. She told reporters in Anantnag, “Some precautionary measures are being taken by the government. Since Friday night, we are witnessing that the lists containing the names of the workers of different parties, especially the PDP, are being taken through police stations and it seems that such a decision is to come which is not in favour of this country and Jammu and Kashmir, but only to further the BJP’s agenda.” She termed it “unfortunate”, but, at the same time, asserted that it is the SC’s responsibility to ensure that it does not push the BJP agenda, but keeps the integrity of the country and its Constitution intact.

She reiterated that the decisions taken by the Centre on August 5, 2019 with regard to J&K were “illegal, unconstitutional and against the promises made to its people” and said that the Apex-court should also acknowledge it. She said, “It has in its previous judgements said that no one but the J&K constituent assembly can abrogate Article 370.”

BJP’s J&K unit chief Ravinder Raina urged the opposition parties including NC, PDP, Congress, J&K People’s Conference and Apni Party to “welcome the SC’s verdict with respect” when it comes. He told reporters here, “We all must respect the decisions of the courts. Ours is a democratic country where the rule of law prevails. Our judges are competent and impartial, able and fair. We have complete trust in them.”

He said, “We may discuss issues and talk against one another at public meetings and other similar discourses, but we should know courts tell the truth and deliver justice.” He said that the petitions against the repeal of article 370 were heard by a ‘big bench’ of the SC and while arguments and counterarguments were being forwarded during the hearings “some bitter observations were made by the Chief Justice and other judges”. He added, “We’re confident that the whole of J&K and the whole of the country will accept its verdict with dignity…true respect will come from hearts because our country’s law is paramount.”

Again, turning to the opposition, the BJP leader said, “There is no political interference in our judiciary. The entire world acknowledges that our courts deliver justice and ours is the best judicial system. I hope J&K’s all political and non-political parties will accept and respect the (SC’s) verdict.”