Under the article, Indian citizens, other than the subjects of Jammu and Kashmir, cannot acquire immovable property, get state government jobs, avail state-sponsored scholarship schemes or have the voting rights in the state.
Kashmir is on the edge in a run-up to the hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court on Monday. From civil society groups to separatists to corporates, Kashmir valley is gearing up for another bout of unrest in case Article 35 A is struck down.
Under the article, Indian citizens, other than the subjects of Jammu and Kashmir, cannot acquire immovable property, get state government jobs, avail state-sponsored scholarship schemes or have the voting rights in the state.
Charu Wali Khanna, a Kashmiri who resides outside J&K and has married a non-Kashmiri, has challenged the legality of the Article in the Supreme Court on the grounds that the law disenfranchises and takes away her succession rights. It also prevents her from buying property there. Others have also challenged the law.
"It is the duty of the Centre to safeguard special status of state," said Ajaz Jan, Youth National Conference Provincial President. "Article 35A is associated with the emotions of the people and any attempt to fiddle with it can lead to ill-consequences. The Centre should take the emotions of people into consideration."
Joint Resistance Leadership of separatists have already called for a two-day shutdown from Sunday and told people to remain ready for another agitation and occupy the streets if the Article is struck down.
"We have asked cadres and activists to be ready for an all-out mass agitation if any tinkering with 35A allowed," said Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chairman of Moderate Hurriyat Conference, adding, "No court – whether in India or in Pakistan – has any jurisdiction to take decisions that can, in any way, affect the disputed status of Jammu & Kashmir."
Civil society groups and business bodies have also threatened mass agitation if the law is scrapped. "Any attempt to tinker with it will not be tolerated. New Delhi shall be responsible for any consequences", said Mohammad Yasin Khan, President Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF).
Sources say Governor NN Vohra has urged the Centre to defer the hearing till an elected government is in charge, which was endorsed by the National Conference.
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