Video: Protests, shutdown in Jammu and Kashmir against assault on Article 35A

Life in Kashmir valley and parts of Jammu province today came to a standstill due to a complete shutdown called by the Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) against the legal challenge in the Supreme Court on the validity of Article 35-A, which bars people from outside Jammu and Kashmir from acquiring any immovable property in the state.

Shops and business establishments were closed across the Kashmir valley while all kinds of transport remained off the roads due to the strike call.

   

Shutdown was also oberved in Chenab Valley of the Jammu division. Protests were held in Gool area of Ramban against attack on the constitutional provision.

Traders staged a sit-in at the historic clock tower in Lal Chowk to protest the “legal onslaught” on the Article 35-A.

The JRL has called for a two-day strike — today and tomorrow — as Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a PIL challenging the validity of the Article 35-A tomorrow.

The state government has filed an application before the Registrar of the Supreme Court, informing that it is going to seek adjournment of the hearing of the petition in view of the “ongoing preparations for the upcoming Panchayat and urban local body and municipal elections in the state”.

The officials said security forces have been deployed in strength at vulnerable places in the city and elsewhere in Kashmir for maintaining law and order.

The situation across the valley is peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere so far, they said.

Various organisations included Bar Association, transporters and traders’ bodies have extended support to the shutdown call.

Protests have been held across the length and breadth of Kashmir over the past few days with mainstream parties like the National Conference and PDP also holding rallies in support of continuing Article 35-A.

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