Strike observed in Poonch's Mendhar tehsil in favour of Article 35A

A strike was observed in Poonch district's Mendhar tenshil today in support of Article 35 A of the Constitution and the National Conference (NC) also took out a rally cautioning against tinkering with the provision.

Shops and business establishments remained closed and public transport remained off roads in response to a strike call given by local social and religious organisations in favour of Article 35 A, officials said.

They said several rallies were taken out during the strike which passed off peacefully.

Senior NC leader and local MLA Javed Ahmed Rana led the protest march and said dilution or scrapping of Article 35A would have serious ramifications.

"This provision (Article 35A) is the pride and identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We will fight tooth and nail for its retention," Rana said.

The NC leader hit out at the BJP, alleging clandestine attempts were being made to settle non-state subjects in Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to dilute the unique identity of its people, irrespective of cast, region or religion.

"The elements inimical to peace have been working overtime to create instability and commotion across the state," he said, adding all such machinations would be foiled by the people by maintaining unity and tranquillity.

Referring to the Instrument of Accession and the Delhi Agreement, Rana said these emphasise the special status and unique identity of the state and its people.

He described Article 35A as manifestation of the permanent resident laws which were imperative for upholding the rights and preserving the identity of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions.

He decried the alleged attempts of the BJP in "encouraging elements inimical to the state's larger political interests to play with sentiments of the people".