Abid Bashir
Srinagar (NVI): National Conference president and the former Chief Minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah today attended the Lok Sabha for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 in August last year.
Abdullah, who arrived in New Delhi yesterday, turned up at the Parliament this morning after a gap of more than one year.
The veteran politician, who was welcomed by different leaders of Opposition in the House, will remain in focus during the ongoing session since he remained in detention during the last two sessions.
The leader may express his views towards the restoration of Article 370, which was abolished by the BJP-led Central Government last year, as per political observers.
Abdullah’s National Conference party is also part of a six-party alliance, including PDP and PC, which has pledged to strive for the restoration of J&K’s special position and statehood.
It is worthwhile to mention that Abdullah was among more than 40 mainstream leaders, including former CMs, who were detained by the Centre hours before it abrogated Article 370 on August 56 last year.
In September last year, he was detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA) when a petition challenging his detention came up for hearing in the Supreme Court.
According to his PSA dossier prepared by J&K administration, Abdullah has tremendous potential for creating an environment of public disorder within Srinagar district and other parts of the Valley.
He was also accused of fanning the emotions of the masses against the Indian Government and instigating the public with statements against the unity and integrity of India.
“On the 11th birth anniversary of his father at Naseembagh Hazratbal, in December 2016…triggered controversy by making explicit overtures towards separatist conglomerate namely Hurriyat Conference by stating that they should unite with his party for the cause of Kashmir,” the dossier read.
In March this year, the J&K administration revoked his detention under PSA and set him free.
-ARK
