Former diplomat, Air Chief Marshal welcome decision on Art 370

Former envoy to Pakistan G Parthasarathy and former Air Force chief Arup Raha have welcomed the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 calling it a timely and appropriate decision.

Human rights organsiations, both from within and outside the state, and educationists on the other hand felt that it is a "unilateral decision" which would have long standing ramifications and increase human rights violations in the Kashmir valley.

Parthasarathy commented over phone, "It's better late than never. It's a timely and appropriate decision".

On Opposition's allegation that the Centre's decision would have catastrophic consequences, the former diplomat said there are several union territories that are functioning very well.

"I really don't know how this decision would create unrest. There are several union territories which are functioning well under the central government," he said.

Raha, too welcomed the move and maintained that a long standing status quo has been changed.

"I feel every part of the country should have equal rights. Nobody should have special rights. And I don't think abrogation of Article 370 should raise so much of hue and cry," the Air Chief Marshal said.

Amnesty International India, the country arm of the international human rights organisation, in a statement said unilateral decison by government of India on Kashmir is likely to inflame the prevailing tensions and further alienate the people.

"What J&K has been witnessing over the last few days
Litterateur Taslima Nasreen when contacted told PTI, "I will like not to comment on this matter. Let the citizens of the land give their reaction."