Srinagar, Dec 9: Vice president of the National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, expressed concern on Saturday that mainstream politicians in Kashmir might be placed under house arrest prior to the Supreme Court’s decision on Article 370 petitions, saying the government only needs a “justification” for it. He expressed his hope and prayer that the ruling will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “They have the justification they need to place us under house arrest. They are in the same ignorance as we are regarding the outcome of the vote. When questioned about his opinions prior to Monday’s verdict, Abdullah told reporters in the Kulgam district, “If they know, then there should be an investigation.”Who will have the authority to declare what will happen? I can only hope and pray that the decision is in our favour, but neither I nor anyone else can claim that success will be ours or that it will be written in the judgement by those five honourable judges. I do not have access to any such machinery or method. We’re waiting on the verdict; when it does, let’s talk,” he stated. The former chief minister responded that he doesn’t respond to ifs and buts when asked about the NC’s future course of action.“Let the decision be made; we’re not leaving this place.” Then, we’ll respond,” he continued. In response to a follow-up inquiry concerning TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s expulsion, Abdullah expressed his regret. Farooq (Abdullah) was present when Moitra spoke to the media following her expulsion. We send her our deepest sympathies and support. We lament that she was denied the opportunity to voice her opinions in the Parliament. This demonstrates that “might makes right.” The BJP should keep in mind that they won’t hold onto power forever, according to Omar.
