J&k Tense Ahead Of SC Hearing

Complete shutdown in Kashmir Valley to defend Article 35A; Amarnath yatra suspended

- Peerzada Ashiq

Unease and growing anxiety was palpable in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, a day ahead of the Supreme Court hearing on whether a Constitution Bench should go into the question of Article 35A, which empowers the State legislature to define “permanent residents” and provide special rights and privileges to them.

A complete shutdown was observed in the Valley on the call of the separatist Joint Resistance Leadership, comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik. 

There was very thin traffic on the roads. Most people stayed indoors. However, there were no reports of any violence. The authorities suspended the  Amarnath yatra. All intra­State train services were halted. Extra deployments were made in all volatile areas. 

Protests in Jammu

Protests were also held in the Jammu region’s Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal Valley, where residents called for retention of the Article.