Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Muftiwarned the Centre on Sunday against the revocation of Article 35A, saying anytinkering with the constitutional provision would be akin to setting a powderkeg on fire.
Addressing a function here to celebrate the PeoplesDemocratic Party’s 20th raising day, Mufti asked her party workers to get readyfor a big fight for the protection of Article 35A, which gives special rightsand privileges to the state’s permanent residents.
“We want to tell the Central government that tinkeringwith Article 35A will be akin to setting a powder keg on fire,” the PDPpresident said. “If any hand tries to touch Article 35A, not only thathand, but that whole body will be burnt to ashes.”
Mufti said they would fight till death any attempt to tinkerwith the state’s special status.
The former chief minister said many attempts would be made to harass the PDP and its leaders. She said New Delhi knew the PDP was the “only party” that “stands like a wall” to protect the state’s special status and identity.