*Protests in support of Art 35-A in Banihal
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 25: While some National Conference activists raised pro-Azadi slogans during protest in support of Article 35-A in Mendhar town of Poonch today, a massive protest march was also taken out in Banihal against the attempts being made by the BJP to repeal Article 35-A to deprive the people of J&K state of their legitimate rights guaranteed in the Constitution of India.
In Mendhar town, the protest march was led by National Conference MLA, Javed Rana. Amidst complete bandh in the Mendhar town today, a large number of NC activists assembled at the residence of MLA Javed Rana and then took out a protest march. The MLA was himself leading the protest. When the protesters reached near Govt Girls Higher Secondary School, some activists of the party allegedly raised pro-Azadi slogans.
Some Police officials, Magistrate on duty and media-persons were also witness to this development. Some of them also captured the people raising slogans on videos during protest. The protest was culminated after passing through the entire market in the town.
The MLA addressed the large gathering and claimed that Art 35-A was a bridge between the State and the Union of India. He said Art 35-A is our identity, our pride and Centre should think twice before playing with the sentiments of the people of the State. He said any move to repeal the Article will prove counter-productive.
The Mendhar town observed complete bandh as mark of protest while the public transport also remained off the road.
SDM Mendhar, Dr Tanveer when contacted said that Administration has taken cognizance of the matter with regard to pro-Azadi slogans. He said action under law will be taken against the accused persons.
SSP, Poonch Rajiv Pandey said that some people raising objectionable slogans at Mendhar have been identified and an FIR is being lodged against them.
In Banihal town the protest march was led by National Conference district president Ramban, Sajjad Shaheen and people across the political spectrum besides members of civil society took part in the rally.
Shaheen said that any tinkering with this special provision will be fought tooth and nail by the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, as such a move can jeopardize their economic interests, deprive youth of their share in jobs among other things. He said this constitutional guarantee is the manifestation of state-subject laws enacted by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1927 and a long drawn struggle launched by the Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.
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