Omar apprehends arrest of mainstream politicians

National Conference Vice president and Former Chief Minister J&K Omar Abdullah addressing a public gathering at Devsar on Saturday. (UNI)
National Conference Vice president and Former Chief Minister J&K Omar Abdullah addressing a public gathering at Devsar on Saturday. (UNI)

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 9: National Conference (NC) vice president Omar Abdullah today expressed apprehension that mainstream politicians in Kashmir may be put under house arrest ahead of the Supreme Court’s verdict on Article 370.

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Abdullah told reporters at Kulgam on the sidelines of the NC rally that he can only hope and pray the decision is in favour of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“They need an excuse to put us under house arrest and they have an excuse. As we are unaware of what the decision would be, so are they. If they know, then there should be an investigation,” he said.
“Who will say with authority what is to happen? I do not have any such machinery or way by which I can come to know today what those five honourable judges have in their hearts, or what they have written in the judgement,” NC leader said.
“I can only hope and pray that the decision is in our favour, but, I cannot neither claim that success will be ours, nor, anyone else can. We are waiting for the judgement, let it come, we will talk then,” he said.
To a question about what the NC’s future course of action, Abdullah said he does not react to ifs and buts.
“Let the decision come, we are not running away from here. We will react then,” he added.
Responding to another question about the expulsion of TMC MP Mahua Moitra, Abdullah said it was very unfortunate. “After her expulsion, when Moitra spoke to media, Farooq (Abdullah) was present. Our full support and sympathy is with her. We regret that she was not allowed to speak in the Parliament to clear her stand. This proves that might is right,” he said.
The NC leader said the BJP should remember that they will not be in power forever. “Unfortunately, the tactics they are using today could probably be used against them in future,” he said.