JKNPP stages protest demanding revocation of Article 35A

The Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) today staged a protest here demanding the immediate revocation of Article 35A, a day after the state's opposition parties cautioned the Centre not to tinker with it.
The party wants its revocation and complete integration of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union ofIndia, JKNPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh told reporters during the protest at the Exhibition grounds here.
"Article 35A is unconstitutional and illegal. It has been extended to the state by the virtue of presidential order and has not been passed by the Parliament, which is a necessary formality," he said.

Over a dozen activists of the party led by Singh staged a demonstration of the Article that accords special powers to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for framing laws.
The protesters also set ablaze an effigy of the BJP, accusing it of "surrendering its stand, ideology and election promises made to the people of the state and country".
National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah had yesterday cautioned of an uprising "far greater" than the 2008 Amarnath land row if Article 35A was repealed.
Separatists have called for a shutdown on August 12 on the issue.