Have engaged best lawyers in SC to challenge Article 370 revocation: Omar Abdullah

NC engages best lawyers to challenge revocation of Art. 370; Omar Abdullah hopes judges will be convinced by their arguments; NC hired top lawyers; CJI's remarks renewed truth; Sher-e-Kashmir's name etched in hearts of people; Govt failed to complete recruitments; TCS brought in to conduct recruitment exams; JKSSRB should be strengthened to ensure right process.

The National Conference has engaged the best lawyers in the Supreme Court to challenge the revocation of Article 370, said party leader Omar Abdullah on August 17 and expressed hope the judges will be convinced by their arguments.

“We are fighting and we are there with a hope for justice. We have not left any stone unturned, we engaged the best lawyers and their performance was appreciated by all. The hearings are on and we hope the judges will be convinced by our arguments. It will go on and we are waiting,” he told reporters in Srinagar.

Addressing his party workers earlier at the National Conference (NC) headquarters Nawa-i-Subah, Mr. Abdullah said the party could not have done better than hiring Kapil Sibal and Gopal Subramanium to fight the case in the Supreme Court.

Track SC hearing on Article 370 abrogation live updates here

“We hired the best lawyers. Kapil Sibal and Gopal Subramanium are two of the top five lawyers in the country … Win or loss is in the hands of God. A human being can only try and we did not leave any stone unturned. Now, we should pray to God to give us success,” said the NC vice-president.

Asked about the Jammu and Kashmir administration removing the name of NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, popularly known as Sher-e-Kashmir, from the government buildings, including the convention centre on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Mr. Abdullah said no one can erase his grandfather’s name from the hearts of the people.

“You can remove his name from the buildings but not from the hearts [of the people]. If you remove Sher-e-Kashmir’s name from SKICC or cricket stadium or hospitals, it will make no difference. You cannot hide the truth. The CJI has renewed that truth before the people,” he said.