Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 29: Stating that revocation of Article 35-A has neither any constitutional nor legal base, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) vice president and former MLC, GN Monga today said that State’s accession with India was full and final and by raking up such issues BJP and RSS were trying to challenge it now.
“Article 35-A is not the only Presidential Order which has been implemented. If Article 35-A is revoked on the pretext of being a Presidential Order, then all Presidential Orders too will go,” he said in a statement issued to the press today.
The Congress leader said that if the Center fiddles with Article 35A, they will be themselves responsible for making question mark on accession of the State with the Union of India. “It was a political issue settled long ago. Not only people of Kashmir region, but people of Jammu and Ladakh regions too, will resist any move by the Center to revoke Article 35-A tooth and nail as it is equally beneficial for the people of all the regions of the State,” Monga asserted.
Referring to background of Article 35-A, he said, “Article 35-A of the constitution empowers J&K Legislature to define state’s permanent residents and their special rights and privileges. It was added to the constitution through a Presidential order of 1954 with the then J&K Government’s concurrence. Through 1927 and 1932 notifications, Dogra ruler of the princely state of J&K, Maharaja Hari Singh imposed a law that defined state subjects and their rights. The law also regulated migrants to the state. J&K joined India through Instrument of Accession signed by its ruler Hari Singh in October 1947.”
Monga lashed out at the Govt for creating panic in Kashmir itself instead of clearing the confusion. “In the last few days, panic has been created in the Valley. First additional forces were rushed to Kashmir and then some confidential Government orders are being circulated on social media to give rumours authenticity. The duty of the Government is to maintain law and order and not create panic,” Monga added.
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