From traders to government employees and students to entrepreneurs, all of Kashmir was eagerly awaiting the SC verdict
Though short-lived, Kashmir heaved a sigh of relief, as the Supreme Court deferred the hearing on Article 35 A case by three months.
For the last 24 hours, the Valley was literally on the precipice as Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) of separatists had called on the people to remain ready for another round of unrest if the State Subject Law would be amended.
From traders to government employees and students to entrepreneurs, all of Kashmir was eagerly awaiting the SC verdict. Some people were even planning to stock essentials to meet any exigency.
"This is a part of the Constitution of India. The Centre should defend Article 35 A by filing an affidavit to end the suspense and controversy. Unless they do it, the sword will continue to hang. When they take a categorical and indicative stand on it, the panic will definitely decrease," said Ali Mohammad Sagar, General Secretary of the main opposition National Conference.
Under Article 35 A, Indian citizens other than the state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir, cannot acquire immovable property or have the voting rights in the restive state. Charu Wali Khanna, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir settled outside the state has challenged the legality of the Article 35 A in the Supreme Court on the grounds that the law disenfranchises and takes away her succession rights.
"This matter requires to be referred to a larger bench. It cannot be decided by a three-judge bench. It has to be referred to either a five or a seven-judge bench. This is the main issue," said Sunil Sethi, state spokesman, BJP.
Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association (HCBA) said courts cannot decide the fate of Article 35 A. "It is a political issue and it cannot be decided by a court of law. The Union of India has adopted a technical strategy before the Supreme Court," said GN Shaheen, General Secretary, HCBA, Srinagar.
Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), an apex body of business and trade, warned that anything can happen if Article 35 A is tinkered with.
"People can go to any extent. Anything can happen; people will take to streets. The government of India knows fully well and they are playing politics. We believe Article 35 A is a bridge between the government of India and the state of Jammu and Kashmir," said Mohommad Yaseen Khan, Chairman, KEA.
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