Article 35A: Jammu Chamber not to back their Kashmir counterpart

Jammu: Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries Monday virtually said they will not support the stand of its Kashmir counterpart with regard to Article 35 A-that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state’s legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.
“We will not comment on the matter as it is subjudice. The Supreme Court verdict with regard to Article 35A will be in the interest of the State and its people,” President, Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Rakesh Gupta said.
When asked whether they will accept the decision, if Supreme Court annuls Article 35 A, Gupta said they will abide by the verdict of the court and accept it wholeheartedly.
“We work jointly with Kashmir Chamber on different issues but here our opinions differ. Neither we oppose the stand taken by our Kashmir counterpart on this issue nor do we support them. We have our own point of view with regard to Article 35A and we don’t subscribe to the stand and views of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries,” Rakesh Gupta said.
Pertinetly, Muhammad Yasin Khan, during a joint press briefing said that traders and other bodies from Chenab Valley and Pir Panchal Division have extended full support to them and they stand with the people of Kashmir on the issue.