Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today welcomed the Supreme Court's observation that Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which gives a special status to the state, is not a temporary provision.

"The Hon'ble Supreme Court's observation regarding its (Article 370) permanent status is a welcome assurance to our people," Mufti said in a tweet.

She said Article 370 not only safeguards the territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir, but also "plays a bigger role" in preserving the religious, cultural and linguistic integrity of the state.

The Supreme Court yesterday said Article 370 was not a temporary provision.