Omar Abdullah attacks BJP, says the party has made Article 35A a case of Jammu vs Kashmir

“BJP said it would scrap Article 370 but realized isn't possible through Parliament so they went to the court, asking others to fight the case,” said Omar Abdullah, working president of National Conference (NC) as he inaugurated a seminar in Kashmir on Monday to ‘educate’ people about the benefits of Article 35A. 

The NC has alleged that the abolition of Article 35A will adversely affect people of Jammu region and has called for a referendum in Jammu on the same. 

Abdullah added, “Surprisingly, BJP has made issue of 35A a case of Jammu vs Kashmir. They say it will benefit Kashmir but adversely affect Jammu. People from outside will come and buy plots here, get government jobs, scholarships for their children and aids and relief.”

National Conference has accused the BJP of trying to stoke the fire of communal division among the people. NC provincial president Devinder Singh Rana said the debate over Article 35A was neither Hindu versus Muslims nor Jammu versus Kashmir.

Abdullah reiterated if BJP succeeds in scrapping Article 35A through the court, the state subject laws will end. He said, “Take it in writing that before going to Kashmir to buy land and look for jobs they will come to Jammu. Someone who wants to buy land in this state will he do that in Kashmir? Even people residing in Kashmir don't feel safe there.”

Meanwhile, on the Section 35A matter, Supreme Court said matter may be tentatively heard by a 3-judge bench on August 29.

“Whenever tax relaxation is needed CM takes off to Delhi. Whatever could have been decided here are decided in GST Council,” added Abdullah.

Also read: It’s time to revoke Article 370 and 35 A, says BJP’s Jammu and Kashmir unit

Article 35A: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti meets PM Modi