Expect J&K Assembly to pass resolution for Art 370 restoration in first session: NC MP

Srinagar, Oct 20: National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi has said that he expects the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution for the restoration of Article 370 in its very first session.
“I expect that it (resolution on the restoration of Article 370) would be the first business. If not the first business, I expect the resolution will be passed in the first session (of the Assembly),” Mehdi, the Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar, said on ‘X Space’.
“That is what I have committed myself to and I have full faith that the National Conference is also committed to it,” he said.
Mehdi, who has been a vocal proponent of the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status that existed before August 5, 2019, said he does not feel there is a need to worry about the NC’s stand on the issue.
“I don’t see any signals that, God forbid, it will not happen. Based on my interactions (with party leaders) pre-election and post-election, there is no cause for worry.
“As you know, I am not part of the government or the legislative Assembly, I am in Parliament, but I will keep reminding them. We expect them to deliver on that,” he said.
On the issue of the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley, the parliamentarian said an initiative needs to be taken on a societal level to ensure it.
“As far as the return of Kashmiri Pandits is concerned, my stand is unchanged. We have had some discussions with some KP (Kashmiri Pandit) friends in Delhi. We want to expand that initiative and in that, we need your help. We want to do something about it on the social level. You have seen the seriousness of the BJP over the past 10 years,” he said.
“Let’s, as a society, try to find a roadmap for the return of Kashmiri Pandit brethren,” he added.
The Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday passed a resolution, urging the Centre to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
The resolution got the Lieutenant Governor’s nod on Saturday and would now be sent to the Union government.
MLAs to take oath today
The newly elected MLAs of Jammu and Kashmir will be administered the oath of office in the Legislative Assembly here on Monday, ending a six-year-long legislative hiatus.
Pro tem Speaker Mubarak Gul will administer the oath to the MLAs, who include 51 first-time members. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at 2 pm.
The NC emerged as the single largest party in the assembly polls held in September and October.
The oldest political party of Jammu and Kashmir has formed the government with external support from Congress, which has six MLAs. Five independent MLAs, one MLA from the AAP, and the CPI(M) have also extended their support. (PTI)