Scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution, giving special status to Jammu and Kashmir, is impossible, two ministers from the state said today.
"Abrogation of Article 370 as suggested by some BJP leaders is not possible at all," National Conference leader and Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said.
"The Article has attained permanent position in the Indian Constitution and has become its part and parcel," he said at a function in central Kashmir's Budgam district.
Yesterday, senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said his party in the event of coming to power at the Centre would revoke Article 370.
Rather said only the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir had the powers to modify the Article but it chose not to do so.
"The Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir only was authorised to modify this Article but it has kept it in the Constitution as a permanent feature.
"As such, it is not constitutionally possible to abrogate this Article which governs relations of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India," Rather said.
Congress leader and Medical Education minister Taj Mohiuddin, at a function in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, said those talking about abrogating Article 370 were trying to befool the people.
"This Article can never be scrapped and those claiming the same are actually trying to befool the people to achieve their political goals," Mohiuddin said.
The minister asked the people to remain vigilant of the designs of vested interest groups whose aim was to divide people.
"They have nothing to offer you except impede the growth of the state," he said.
