Civil society Members organize sit in against revocation of Article 35A

Srinagar:  Scores of Civil Society members today organized a Silent Sit In against the abrogation of article 35A in city centre Lalchowk on Thursday.

Speaking to media Professor Hameeda  Nayeem head of the department of English at the University of Kashmir and member of  Kashmir Centre for Social and Development Studies (KSCDS) said that article 35A provides ethnic protection to the people of the state and protects the unique culture of the people of the state.

Noted Columnist Dr Javaid Iqbal said that under article 35A only the the permanent residents of the state have the right to settlement in the state employment under the State Government, acquisition of immovable property in the State and the right to scholarships provided by the State Government but ‘once article 35A is challenged the distinction that Jammu & Kashmir enjoys of being the only Muslim majority state in the country is in danger.’

Chairman of Awami National conference (ANC) Muzaffar Shah said that any tampering with Article 35A of the Indian constitution would ultimately challenge the accession of Jammu& Kashmir with the Union of India.

Pertinently a New Delhi based NGO We the Citizens has filed a public interest litigation (P[IL) in the Supreme Court of India challenging  article 35A.