New Delhi. On July 27, the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) took a significant step by filing an intervention application in the Supreme Court, expressing its firm support for the abrogation of Article 370. The application was in response to a petition filed by Shah Faesal and others, who sought the revocation of the abrogation, terming it ‘undemocratic and unjust’.
The GKPD, representing the diaspora of Kashmiri Pandits worldwide, lauded the GoI for its historic decision to repeal Article 370, which they believe has brought peace, prosperity, and security to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
In their application, the GKPD earnestly requested the dismissal of the petition filed by Shah Faesal and others, emphasizing that doing so would restore the confidence of the people of India in the principle of “one country, one constitution”. They further pointed to Article 51A(a) of the Constitution, which declares it a fundamental duty of every Indian citizen to abide by the Constitution and uphold its ideals, institutions, national flag, and anthem.
GKPD submitted arguments in favour of the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, which paved the way for the violent creation of a ‘Sheikhdom” within the Union of India primarily by snatching the rights and livelihood of oppressed minorities and women in favour of the majority population,” read a press release by the GKPD.
The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is scheduled to commence hearings on August 2, where various petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories will be examined.
On August 5, 2019, the central government announced its decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370, splitting the region into two Union Territories.