Politics

Omar seeks a special session of legislation regarding ‘tampering’ with 35-A

Srinagar: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah has sought a special session of the JK Legislature before August 29 to frame up an appropriate response to counter the narrative with regard to tampering or repealing of Article 35-A of the Constitution.

Article 35-A of the Indian Constitution is an article that empowers the Jammu and Kashmir state’s legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and provide special rights and privileges to those permanent residents. It is added to the Constitution through a Presidential Order, i.e., The Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954 – issued by the President of India, “in exercise of the powers conferred by” clause (1) of Article 370 of the Constitution, with the concurrence of the Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Emphasizing on the serious ramifications that the abrogation of Article 35-A will bring about,  “The issue is of vital importance for the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, as abrogation of Article 35A will have serious ramifications”, Omar Abdullah said in a statement.

“The State Legislature will have to take a call on this fundamental issue, especially as the Constitution empowers the Legislative Assembly to determine the issues with regard to permanent residence,” Omar Abdullah said while appreciating general consensus across the state, irrespective of caste, creed, religion or region, with regard to preserving of this significant constitutional guarantee bestowed upon Jammu and Kashmir by Constitution of India.

“It is therefore appropriate to have the aspirations of the people reflected through the State Legislature”, he said.

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