Shutdown has been called in Kishtwar district tomorrow against attempts to abrogate Article 35-A which grants state’s legislature power to define the permanent residents.
Imam Jamia Masjid Kishtwar Farooq Ahmed Kitchloo called for a complete shutdown on August 12 to protest against attempts to abrogate Article 35-A of the Constitution.
“People of Kishtwar district are appealed to observe a shutdown on Saturday, August 12 against attempts to abrogate the state subject law (Article 35-A) which has been in vogue here for decades,” said Kitchloo.
General Secretary Chenab Valley Traders Association Kishtwar Arshad Giri has supported the strike call.
He said that they would protest if attempts are made to fiddle with Article 35-A.
Common masses and workers of political and social organizations of Poonch today staged a massive protest against BJP and PDP accusing them of attempting to fiddle with the articles 370 and 35A.
At the protest held at Parade Ground Park Poonch, Moulana Hakeem ud Din criticized the government’s “anti Kashmiri” policies and said people will not accept any fiddling with these articles.
Javid Iqbal Reshi speaking with the demonstrators criticized the central government’s “attempt of fiddle with 35A.”
He said, “The central government must support and restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in true spirit as the condition across the state is not encouraging.”
Speaking on the occasion, Sayed Anayat Bukhari said, “We won’t tolerate any such move and we would come on roads if any such thing happens.”
He said, “We will strive to retain the special status of the state.”
Abdul Rashid Shahpuri said articles 370 and 35A represent agreement between India and Jammu and Kashmir. “These articles should not be changed or fiddled with.”
Meanwhile, Kashmir-based transporters, fruit growers and dealers have extended support to the strike call given by separatist leadership for August 12 against the proposed abrogation of Article 35 A.
A statement issued by Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union said it supports the strike call given against “abrogation of Article 35-A” which confers special rights and privileges on J&K’s permanent resident. “All the mandies of the Valley will remain close on August 12 in support of the strike call,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman, KVFGDU.
Kashmir Transporters Welfare Association has called for a complete strike across Kashmir on Saturday. Sheikh Muhammad Yousuf, general secretary of the association said owners of buses, auto rickshaws, mini-buses and other passenger vehicles have decided to not allow vehicles to ply on Saturday. “We completely support the strike call given in order to protect our special status. The mainstream politicians are playing in the hands of BJP which we should not allow,” he said.
