Srinagar/July, 29 : Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) on Sunday called for shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 and 6 to protest against a “politically-motivated move” to “abrogate Article 35-A”.
In a series of tweets, Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq said the JRL met today to deliberate “serious challenge posed to Art 35A”.
“(We) want to make it clear to GOI any and every attempt made at changing the demographic nature of the state will be stiffly resisted. In touch with all segments including legal fraternity, traders, civil society, academia. There is complete unanimity and cohesion among all with regard to resisting & fighting this serious assault together. 5th and 6th of August a complete protest strike will be observed throughout (Jammu and Kashmir), people will register their total disapproval &resistance to this politically motivated move,” said the Mirwaiz, in a tweet.
He also warned of an agitation of the Article 35 –A, which defines permanent residents of the state, was tinkered with. “A mass agitation of hitting and occupying streets will be launched if any tinkering with 35A is allowed to take place under a legal garb, the consequences of which will be entirely on those perpetuating such mischievous ploys against people of J&K,” he said.
He also appealed to the people to take part in the agitation against “this assault” in case the leadership was arrested.
“People should to be ready as there is every apprehension of a mass crackdown against leadership & political activists by the ruling dispensation and we may be gagged arrested and jailed, in that case JRL appeals people to be strong& carry forward the agitation against this assault,” he said.
The Supreme Court of India is hearing two petitions challenging the validity of the Article 35 A on August 6.
