As SC defers Art 35A hearing, separatists say protests to continue
Political parties, civil society groups, trade bodies and lawyers threatened stir over tinkering with 35A
The strike, called by various social and religious organisations, disrupted the life in some areas of the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri along with Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts in the Chenab valley region, officials said.
A shutdown called by local organisations also disrupted life in Kargil and adjoining areas in Ladakh region, the officials said.
However, no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the strike-hit districts.
Police foiled a protest march of Kashmir Economic Allaince (KEA) towards United Nations Military Observers Group (UNMOGP) and arrested several members of the alliance.
The members of the alliance, an amalgam of dozens of trade bodies, were carrying placards and banners in support of the Article 35A. “The intensity of the strike shows that people in Kashmir are really worried about Article 35A and we can go to any extent if it is abolished “warned KEA vice-president, Tariq Ahmad Mughloo.
Meanwhile, separatists have said protests will continue and termed petitions in SC as mischievous and backed by RSS, the ideological mentor of BJP.
Former J&K CM and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said that even though the deferment of the hearing on Article 35A was not a solution, it had brought interim relief to the people.“but with uncertainty looming over its status, it has unleashed a wave of anxiety and panic amongst the people of J&K,” she tweeted.
National Conference vicepresident Omar Abdullah said that state’s future lay within the Constitution of India. “Kashmir has shut down to protect a provision of the Indian constitution. When was the last time anyone was able to frame that headline? #Article35a,” Abdullah tweeted.
He, however, said protecting Article 35A is a tacit acceptance that J&K’S future lies within the Constitution of India, otherwise how would it matter if it were struck down or diluted?
For past few days, the Valley has been witnessing a series of protests, including in Kargil and some parts of Jammu region. Except BJP, all mainstream parties have been supporting Article 35A. BJP has said that it will abide by the court ruling on the issue.