Article 35A is non-negotiable: Farooq Abdullah

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday described Article 35A as a “non-negotiable article of faith” for the people of the state and vowed that his party was ready to fight every battle to safeguard the state’s special status.
Farooq, while addressing a party convention, said the “assault on the state’s special status was part of a longstanding ideological mission of those quarters who have always opposed J&K’s political rights and dignity”.
“This battle has been forced on the people of the state at a time when all efforts should have been made to initiate a process of reconciliation and healing so that the trust deficit is bridged,” said Farooq, who is a Member of Parliament from Srinagar constituency.
His remarks came at a time when state’s mainstream opposition parties and separatist groups have warned against any attempt at abrogating Article 35A, a constitutional guarantee which ensures the state’s special status and privileges.
The Supreme Court, which is hearing petitions against Article 35A, recently deferred the next date of hearing, which will now be held after Diwali.
“Article 35A is vital and non-negotiable for the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and those trying to divide us on regional and religious lines to further their agenda will have to be defeated,” Farooq said.