Article 370 a closed chapter, no power can abrogate it: J&K Congress chief Saifuddin Soz

JAMMU: Amidst a row over Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Saifuddin Soz tonight said it is a closed chapter as "no power on earth can abrogate it".

"There is no need to hold debate on Article 370. For Congress party, it is a closed chapter and there is no need for a debate on it," Soz said here.

Soz said his stand was clear that Article 370 can neither be amended nor abrogated by any authority unless the people of the state themselves want it.

"No power on earth can abrogate Article 370," he added. Article 370 is a bridge between the state and the Centre and the only mechanism through which central laws get extended to the state. If this bridge is removed it will be a piquant situation for the state. It is an integral part of the Constitution of India and no body can change it, he said.

On the dismal performance of Congress in J&K in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, he said we have learnt a lesson and wisdom is that we wouldn't repeat our mistakes.

When asked if Congress will form alliance with its ruling coalition partner National Conference for forthcoming Assembly elections, he said it was too early to comment on the issue.