Fiddling with Art 35-A can prove to be a big misadventure: Hakim Yasin
Cautioning against any misadventure to fiddle with the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) President and MLA Khansahib Hakim Mohammad Yasin said that any tinkering with Article 35-A would add fuel to the fire as situation in the state is already volatile.
“Fiddling with Article 35-A will have serious repercussions and could add fuel to the fire as situation is already volatile in the state and particularly in Kashmir Valley. 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,” Hakim Yasin said in a statement to media.
The PDF chief asserted that the 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 said.
Hakim Yasin said that he hopes that PM Modi will show courage and make a some special announcement vis-a-vis Kashmir from Red Fort on August 15. “We hope Modiji will announce some package like restoration of pre-1953 position to the state. A strong PM like Modiji, who has a strong mandate, will fulfill the demand of people of State, whose autonomy has been eroded from time to time. He only can solve Kashmir issue, if he is willing. History is witness that no issue in the world has been settled through wars,” he said.
The MLA Khansahib urged both the State and Center governments to defend before the Supreme Court the legal aspects of Article 35-A with vigour and engage best constitutional experts for the job.
“When we recently met Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti recently, we told her it becomes necessary that the leaders from all like-minded parties get together and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi as he is the only person who can allay the doubts of people of Kashmir on Article 35-A. We told her (Mehbooba) that a hell like situation will emerge in Jammu and Kashmir if this article is touched. She agreed and assured us that she will personally meeting the Central Government leadership including the Prime Minister of the country,” he said.
The PDF chief vowed that his party will not only defend the Article 35-A and Article 370 at all costs, but will continue to fight for restoration of the eroded provisions of Article 370 of faith to its original status in the Constitution.
KV Correspondent
