Spokespersons: Shri P. Chidambaram, Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Shri Pawan Khera: Shri P. Chidambaram said- The judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the cases concerning the abrogation of Art. 370 of the Constitution has decided many issues but has left open some issues that are also vitally important. It has also held as ultra vires the manner in which Art 367 was invoked to amend part of Art. 370.

Prima facie, we respectfully disagree with the judgement on the manner in which Art. 370 was abrogated. We reiterate the CWC resolution dated 06-08-2019 that Art. 370 deserved to be honored until it was amended strictly in accordance with the Constitution of India.

We are also disappointed that the Hon’ble Supreme Court did not decide the question of dismembering the State and reducing its status to two Union Territories. That question has been reserved for adjudication in a suitable case in the future.

The Indian National Congress has always demanded the restoration of full statehood for what has become the Union Territory of J&K. We welcome the Supreme Court’s verdict in this regard. Full statehood must be restored immediately. The aspirations of the people of Ladakh must also be fulfilled.

We welcome the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s direction to hold assembly elections. However, we believe that the elections should be held immediately and there is no reason to wait until 30-09-2024.

When elections are held, the people of Jammu & Kashmir will have an opportunity to express their views on the crucial questions that were debated in the Hon’ble Supreme Court — an opportunity that has been denied to them so far.

Since accession, Jammu & Kashmir was — and is — an integral part of India. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are Indian citizens. We reiterate our resolve to work for the security, peace, development and progress of Jammu & Kashmir. Monday, December 11, 2023