Will respect wishes of Kashmiris, says govt

ARTICLE 35A Local views matter, Union home minister Rajnath says in Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Union home minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday the BJP-led government at the Centre will not go against the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Article 35A and 370, constitutional provisions that guarantee special privileges to the restive state.

His comments state the official position amid mounting tension in the Kashmir Valley over speculation that the government is trying to abrogate Article 35A of the Constitution, which gives special rights to the state’s permanent residents.

“The government did not initiate anything on this or go to court. I assure the government would never take any step which will hurt the sentiments of people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Singh, who is on a four-day visit to the state.

The constitutional provisions are hotly debated in Kashmir as Hindu right-wing individuals and organisations have been calling for their abrogation.

“I don’t want to comment on who is saying what, but I am talking as a leader of the BJP and home minister of India,” Singh said. Singh’s remarks generated a social media debate in the Valley.

“This is a very important statement from the Union Home Minister. His assurance will go a long way towards silencing the noises against 35-A,” former chief minister Omar Abdullah tweeted.

He also suggested that the Centre should file a counter-affidavit in the Supreme Court to defend Article 35A.

“That is the way to carry this assurance forward,” he tweeted.

The top court asked the Centre in August to reply to a petition filed by an NGO, seeking abolition of Article 35A.

The plea said the Jammu and Kashmir government is using Article 35A and Article 370, which grants autonomous status to the state, to discriminate against people from outside wishing to buy property, get a government job or vote in local elections.

The court is likely to hear the arguments after Diwali.

Article 35A empowers the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to them. Also, it empowers the legislature to frame any law without attracting a challenge from other states or any other right guaranteed by the Constitution.

Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti welcomed Singh’s statement on issues confronting Jammu and Kashmir, saying the positivity would go a long way in putting balms on the wounds of the people.

The home minister said the security situation in Kashmir has improved, compared to last year. He appealed to tourists to visit the region known for its scenic beauty.

“I assure tourists from India and rest of the world that Kashmiris are ready to welcome you,” Singh said.

Singh met about 55 delegations of civil society and political representatives, but refused comments on why separatist Hurriyat leaders were not invited for talks.

Trying to reassure the Valley’s youth angry over alleged excesses by security forces fighting militancy, he said: “I have asked security forces to treat youth below 18 years, who are involved in criminal activities (militancy), as juveniles. They should be tried in juvenile courts.”

THE HOME MINISTER SAID THE SECURITY SITUATION IN KASHMIR HAS IMPROVED, COMPARED TO LAST YEAR.