KEA extends support to Hurriyat Conference on Article 35A row

Kashmir Economic Alliance, an umbrella trade body, on Tuesday extended its complete support to Hurriyat Conference for fighting the proposed abrogation of Article 35-A.
Addressing a press conference at a local hotel here, Farooq Ahmad Dar, co-chairperson, Kashmir Economic Alliance said the proposed “Kashmir bandh” call given by KEA on Monday has been withdrawn in view of forthcoming Eid-ul-Azha. Dar said KEA is ready to follow whatever action plan is announced by Hurriyat Conference.
“We appeal Hurriyat Conference to play their role with regard to Article 35-A. Our faction will support whatever programme Hurriyat Conference issues. By raising the issue of abrogation of Article 35-A , a ground which is being created for BJP, agencies and right wing parties is being defeated by people in Kashmir,” Dar said.
Dar said efforts are being made to convert the Muslim majority of J&K into a minority population.
“If this law ( 35-A) is abrogated, we will have people from all states to come and live here which will change our majority into a minority. Hurriyat leadership has a huge role to play and we will support it despite being non-political,” Dar said.
Muhammad Yusuf Chapri, chairman, KEA said apart from “continuing the resistance movement” it is important for people of J&K to safeguard the demography of the state. “New Delhi should remember that government forces have killed thousands of innocent civilians. Modi invoking ‘Insaniyat aur Jamhoriyat’ does not come with a conviction from him and we have no reason to trust him,” Chapri said.
Chapri said Jammu and Kashmir has always been a secular state where people from all faiths live peacefully. He said the entire trade and transporter associations joining hands against abrogation of Article 35-A is a welcome step.
“Yes it is true that transporters, traders need to extend support to Hurriyat Conference to safeguard Article 35-A. Ultimately we have to also work towards liberation of Kashmir,” Chapri said.
KEA has already announced that it will hold a protest march from Press Enclave to High Court here on August 29 to lodge protest against the attempt to abrogate Article 35-A and will submit a memorandum to Chief Justice of J&K High Court on this issue.