Independent MLA offers to join separatists over Art 35A

Independent MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid today said he is willing to quit the Assembly and join the separatists on the issue of an article in the Indian Constitution by which people of Jammu and Kashmir get special privileges.
"I am voluntarily offering to join Hurriyat, the joint resistance leadership of the separatists," the controversial MLA told reporters here.
He was answering questions with regard to Article 35A of the Constitution over which a debate has been triggered after it was challenged in the Supreme Court by two women from the state.
Rashid said he has sought an appointment with hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and has been in touch with the separatist leader since last week.

"I would love to join Hurriyat, subject to the condition that we will sit across the table, discuss what is in his (Geelani's) mind," he said.
"When we meet him, we will try to understand what is in his mind. We have to understand each other. We have to see what better options we have so that we raise our voice forcefully," Rashid said.
Rashid said time has come for the people, including mainstream politicians as well as separatists, to unite for a larger cause.
Article 35A was added to the Indian Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954.