Omar Abdullah says 'complete betrayal of trust' after Article 370 is revoked | Full Statement

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Under house arrest in Srinagar, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that Narendra Modi-led government's decision to revoke Article 370 and Article 35A is a "shocking decision" and a "complete betrayal of trust".

Omar Abdullah is under house arrest amid unprecedented security measures in Srinagar. The India Army moved 8,000 more troops in Valley while this report was being prepared.

FULL TEXT OF OMAR ABDULLAH'S STATEMENT

"The Government of India's unilateral and shocking decisions today are a total betrayal of the trust that people of Jammu and Kashmir had reposed in India when the State acceded to it in 1947. The decisions will have far-reaching and dangerous consequences. This is an aggression against people of the State as had been warned by an all-parties meeting in Srinagar yesterday," Omar Abdullah said in a statement released by news agency ANI.

"The Government of India has resorted to deceit and stealth in recent weeks to lay the ground for these disastrous decisions. Our darkest apprehensions have unfortunately come true after the Government of India and its representatives in Jammu and Kashmir lied to us that nothing major was planned. The announcement was announced after the entire State, particularly the Kashmir Valley, was turned into a garrison. Those of us who gave a democratic voice to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, are incarcerated as lakhs of armed security personnel have been put on the ground," Omar Abdullah said.

Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed to scrap Article 370 of the Constitution which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir and said the state will be split into two Union Territories - Jammu and Kashmir with an Assembly and Ladakh without one.

Making a historic announcement in the Rajya Sabha that triggered bedlam, Shah said: "I am presenting the resolution to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir except the first clause 370 (1)."

Following his speech amid opposition protests, at times drowning his voice, the House was adjourned. It later resumed business.

Amit Shah said this had been done in view of constant threats of cross border terrorism.

Omar Abdullah, who was the youngest chief minister of the state, said the decision raises "fundamental questions on the State's accession". 

"The scrapping of Articles 370 and 35A raise fundamental questions on the State's accession because that was done on the very terms enunciated in these Articles. The decisions are unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional and will be challenged as such by the National Conference.

"A long and tough battle lies ahead. We are ready for that," Omar Abdullah said.

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