Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 19: Scores of Shikarawalas today participated in a unique floating protest in Dal Lake against tinkering with Article 35 A.
Under the banner of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) scores of Shikara owners held a boat rally against the “abrogation of the special status of state” on the waters of Dal Lake. Many Shikarawals participated in the rally which started from Dalgate to the Zabarawan Park. Several protestors also boarded the Shikaras to join the unique rally.
The protestors were holding pla cards and banners seeking dismissal of a petition against Article 35 A of the Constitution in Supreme Court. The Shikaras were seen moving along the shores of the lake and it grabbed the attention of people including tourists.
While speaking with Media Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) Co-chairman, Farooq Ahmad Dar said, said that the protest was aimed to warn the Government over any attempt to tinker with Article 35 A.”Any attempt to abrogate Article 35 A will not be tolerated. Kashmir has a distinct position in the Constitution and it is enjoying its own powers,” he said, adding that they were against the move and would fight against its safeguard.
He said the State was yet to recover from the shock that it received in the form of GST and any attempts to dilute the special status of the State would add insult to injury.
He stressed that the conspiracy to remove Article 35-A is essentially the agenda of communal, divisive and anti-democratic forces who want to thrive on uncertainty, discard, hatred and turmoil.
The protestors appealed the Governor, N N Vohra to take the issue very seriously.
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