More than 24 hours after the government brought in legislation revoking Article 370 relating to Kashmir, outgoing Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a tweet questioned the government's decision to detain National Conference leader Omar Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.
“Kashmir’s mainstream political leaders have been jailed at secret locations. This is unconstitutional and undemocratic. It’s also short sighted and foolish because it will allow terrorists to fill the leadership vacuum created by GOI. The imprisoned leaders must be released,” Mr. Gandhi said.
At the meeting of the Congress Working Committee the party stood divided on the issue. At least two CWC members Jyotiraditya Scindia and Deepender Hooda made public comments supporting the Centre’s move .
“National integration isn’t furthered by unilaterally tearing apart J&K, imprisoning elected representatives and violating our Constitution. This nation is made by its people, not plots of land. This abuse of executive power has grave implications for our national security,” he wrote on Twitter.
This was Mr. Gandhi’s first comment since the government revoked the provisions of Article 370 on Monday.
“Kashmir’s mainstream political leaders have been jailed at secret locations. This is unconstitutional and undemocratic. It’s also short-sighted and foolish because it will allow terrorists to fill the leadership vacuum created by GOI [the Government of India]. The imprisoned leaders must be released,” he said.
