NC's OBC cell holds protest in support of Article 35A

The National Conference's Other Backward Class (OBC) cell today took out a march here in support of Article 35A, describing it as a constitutional guarantee to the distinct identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Carrying placards, the protesters raised slogans, emphasising the need for its preservation. Addressing the protesters, Abdul Gani Teli, co-chairman of the OBC cell, cautioned that repealing Article 35A would cost the state's youths their jobs and businesses would be hugely impacted with the influx of "non-state subjects" into the state. "National Conference is reaching out to the people everywhere in the state to apprise the people about the serious ramifications of repealing Article 35A," he said.

The party's provincial vice-president Chaudhry Haroon described Article 35A as pivotal for the interests of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, irrespective of religion or caste. "This constitutional provision pertains to the interests and dignity of every citizen of the state."