Srinagar, August 06, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, complete shutdown was observed in all parts of the territory for the second consecutive day, today, against the BJP-led Delhi government’s plans to abrogate Article 35-A of Indian constitution.
Article 35-A grants the special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and bars non-locals from buying and selling land in the territory. Call for the strike was given by the Joint Resistance Leadership and supported by legal and trader bodies and civil society organizations. Shops, markets, fuel stations, other businesses and educational institutions remained closed while streets wore a deserted look in Kashmir Valley, Poonch, Jammu and even Kargil areas. Train service remained suspended for the second day, today.
The shutdown was aimed at lodging protest against the hearing by the Indian Supreme Court of the petitions seeking repeal of the Article 35-A. The hearing was adjourned till the 27th of August by the court , today.
Members of District Bar Association Kishtwar held a protest march in the town. Police used brute force on protesters in Srinagar when they tried to march towards the United Nations office at Sonawar to submit a memorandum seeking the World Body’s intervention for the dismissal of the petitions challenging Article 35-A. The protest was organized by the Kashmir Economic Alliance. Police arrested many protesters including KEA central leaders Farooq Ahmad Dar, Ajaz Shahdhar and Haji Nazir Ahmad Zargar.
The Joint Resistance Leadership in a statement issued in Srinagar said that the unequivocal, united and unanimous verdict by the people of Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal, Kashmir and Kargil against the planned attack on the identity of Jammu and Kashmir should serve as an eye opener for Indian rulers and policy makers.
Meanwhile, Indian media quoting Indian Intelligence agencies reported that the possible abrogation of Article 35-A might trigger revolt in ranks of Jammu and Kashmir police. Director General of Kashmir Police Shesh Paul Vaid admitted that the local police had a view about this emotive issue.
On the other hand, relatives of a local youth, Murfad Shah, staged a protest in Chinore area of Poonch against his killing by Central Reserve Police Force in Bathindi area of Jammu, the other day. The protesters blocked the Janipur-Bantalab road in Poonch and raised anti-India slogans. The All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu and Kashmir chapter held a protest rally in Islamabad, today, against the assault on Article 35-A.
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