Accepting the verdict with a heavy heart, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) chairperson Ghulam Nabi Azad termed the Supreme Court's verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370 "sad and unfortunate" but said everyone has to accept it "with a heavy heart".

"Nobody will be happy with this judgment in Jammu and Kashmir," Azad said.

"It is unfortunate but everyone has to accept the decision of the Supreme Court with a heavy heart. We did not expect this decision. We were thinking that the Supreme Court will consider the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and also the historical background under which Article 370 was incorporated to the constitution. That was our hope but unfortunately that has not happened," Azad told reporters at his residence here.

Asked about court's direction on holding elections and restoration of statehood, Azad said the government had made these commitments in the Parliament already.

In his view, the abrogation of Article 370 was done hurriedly and without consulting the people or the political parties of Jammu and Kashmir.