Two-Day Shutdown in J&K Over 35A Row, Amarnath Yatra Suspended

A complete shutdown has been called in order to support Article 35A that gives special powers to state legislature.

Srinagar: Members of Kashmir Chamber Of Commerce and Industry stage a demonstration against petitions challenging Article 35A in the Supreme Court; in Srinagar on Aug 1, 2018.

(Photo: IANS)

Authorities on Sunday, 5 August, decided to temporarily suspend the ongoing Amarnath Yatra from Jammu to the cave shrine in the Kashmir Valley for two days due to a separatist-called protest shutdown.

According to the police, no pilgrim was allowed to move from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas.

However, pilgrims camped at the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in the Kashmir Valley will continue to perform the Yatra, officials said. Since the annual pilgrimage began on 28 June, over 2.71 lakh pilgrims have taken part.

The complete protest shutdown in the Valley was called to support Article 35A that gives special powers to the state legislature.

Special check-posts have been set up in Udhampur and Ramban to ensure that the movement of pilgrims does not take place on the Jammu-Srinagar highway which passes through these two districts.

Public transport has been hit as well- with very few private vehicles seen plying in Srinagar city and other district towns in the Valley, according to officials and residents.

Adverse Order on 35A Might Trigger Revolt Among J&K Police: Intel

Meanwhile, anticipating the hearing on petitions challenging the validity of Article 35A of the Constitution on 6 August, intelligence agencies have warned of the possibility of a “revolt” among Jammu and Kashmir’s security forces if the Supreme Court passes an “adverse” order, NDTV reported, quoting sources.

Article 35A of the Constitution gives special rights to Jammu and Kashmir’s permanent residents while also disallowing non-permanent residents from buying or owning immoveable properties. Non-permanent residents are also excluded from state government jobs and scholarships.

A Delhi-based NGO – We the Citizens – had filed a petition arguing the “unconstitutionality” of Article 35A, terming it discriminatory in nature, as it was meant to be only a temporary provision.

According to NDTV, even though more than 1,600 police personnel have been at the forefront in the fight against terrorists in the valley, a conflicting order might trigger a revolt among the police ranks.

Separatist leaders, state government employees, lawyers and civil society groups have already threatened to go on a protest if the special rights are tinkered with.

Even the state government of Jammu and Kashmir has been opposing the petitions, going as far as requesting the Supreme Court to defer the case hearing till the local body elections, which are due in October.

Speaking to NDTV, Shesh Paul Vaid, the Director General of Police, acknowledged that the issue was a soft spot for the local police, while also mentioning that he hoped SC would take heed of the state government’s request.

Police officers have a view. I am a resident of Jammu and Kashmir and I am also a police officer; I have my own views. But what’s my duty, I will always do first.

Shesh Paul Vaid, DGP told NDTV