New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in Delhi High Court requesting the court to direct the Election Commissioner of India to ban Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba from participating in Lok Sabha elections of 2019.
The PIL said that the statements of these leaders are against the Indian constitution.
Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, the father son duo, of the National Conference party has been vocal against scrapping Article 370. Mehbooba Mufti, the chief of PDP and former Chief Minister, is another politician from Kashmir who has been virulent in her attacks against the Central Government. She had warned that the people of Kashmir will hold flags of Pakistan if Article 370 is abrogated.
Both the parties are repeatedly threatening of dire consequences if the Indian government tries to tamper with Article 370 which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. However, the Indian government is saying that scrapping the Article is the only way that could lead to the development of the State.
Article 370 is also against the ethos of the constitution of India that guarantees equal rights for all citizens across the territory of the country.
The PIL comes at a time when leaders of NC and PDP are stepping up their attacks on Indian Union and sending veiled threats of secessionism. Their statements are seen as aimed against the unity and sovereignty of India and the constitution.
After Pulwama attacks India has taken a tough stance against separatists leaders openly supporting anti India activities. Organizations like Jamaat-e-Islami were banned and the leaders rounded up. Security cover of top separatist leaders in the valley was withdrawn.
The National Conference and the PDP viewed these tough actions of the Central Government with derision and have been advocating an anti-India stance.