Any tinker with Art 35A ‘fraught with disastrous consequences’: Hakeem Yaseen

Srinagar: Reiterating that Article 35-A of the Constitution of India was untouchable, Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen Monday warned that any misadventure to tinker with it was fraught with disastrous consequences. In a statement issued here on Monday, Hakeem Yaseen said that Article 35-A is a Constitutional guarantee for safety to the special identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“All right-thinking people and civil society groups both at national and state levels must unite to defend Article 35-A. Mainstream political parties and civil society groups in the state should present a united face to demand restoration of pre-1953 position instead of defending Article 35-A only,” he said.
He said that petitions against Article 35-A have earlier also, on three occasions, been dismissed by the Supreme Court as this Article has a strong constitutional footing.
“Any tinkering with Article 35-A would add fuel to the fire as situation in the state is already volatile. Article 370 and Article 35-A has constitutional position and is a bridge between Kashmir and New Delhi. Any fiddling with it will have adverse impact on the relations between State and the Center,” he said.
“People of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh were ready to give any sacrifice to protect Article 370 and 35-A, which guarantees for special status to J&K in the Indian union. The proposed abrogation of article 35-A will have serious ramification not only within the State, but it would also be very harmful for the country as well.
To avoid more bloodshed in the State particularly in Kashmir Valley, it becomes necessary that the leaders from all like-minded parties unite to fight against any such attempts,” he added.
The PDF chief also asked the Government to take stern action against those communal elements who have been attacking Kashmiris outside the state and in Jammu. “How many people have been booked under PSA in Kashmir for indulging in stone pelting? In Kashmir if someone is involved in minor stone pelting, he is booked under PSA. Why are those elements not being dealt strictly, who are attacking Kashmiris outside?” he asked.
He also questioned the arrest spree of Jamaat-e-Islami leaders and activists. “The arrest of Jamaat members came in the wake of Centre’s decision to rush 100 companies of paramilitary forces to the valley. A situation of mistrust and chaos is being created.
Till now separatists were being arrested and targeted but now Jamaat leaders and activists are being arrested. This won’t improve the situation, but will deteriorate it further,” Hakeem said.