Kashmir shut again, controversial decisions could touch a raw nerve

Srinagar: As Kashmir limps back to normalcy, a series of controversial decisions might touch the raw nerve for many in the state.

Kashmir observed shutdown again on Friday following separatists’ protests after alleged reports of government issuing domicile certificates to West Pakistan Refugees .

The announcement comes a few days after the Supreme Court overturned a 2015 ruling in which the state government contended in the high court that the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (Sarfesi) Act, that the parliament passed in 2002, wasn’t applicable in the state due to its special status under Article 370 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court ruling is seen as an interference in Kashmir’s special status as many believe that banks could help in back-door acquisition of property by non-Kashmiris in Jammu and Kashmir. A non-resident is not permitted to acquire property in the state under its special status. The blame game has started as Opposition in Kashmir valley has attacked the PDP-BJP government, saying the steps are leading to erosion of the state’s special status .

Omar Abdullah on Sunday hit out at PDP-led government saying its “weak” legal defence of state’s special status was “alarming” as it was allowing “step-by-step erosion” of Article 370. Asking the state government to come clean on the issue, the NC leader also targeted the PDP, alleging that it seemed that it has decided to facilitate the “longcherished desire” of its alliance partner BJP “to circumvent and subvert the Constitution of the state” and attributes of Article 370.

Reports also suggest that the government plans amendments in the state’s Ranbir Penal Code, allowing National Investigation Agency (NIA) to intervene in cases related to national security, without seeking clearance from the state government.

Separatist groups are accusing the PDP of attempting to “change the demography” of the state to fulfill the “Hindutva agenda” of its coalition partner. Even Pakistan has accused India of settling non-Kashmiris in the state in an attempt to change the demographic composition of the region.

Experts believe the controversial decisions have the potential of snowballing into another spell of protests.