Article 35A not an impediment to investment, dev in J&K: Sajad

Srinagar, Mar 31: Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Sunday said that Article 35A and Article 370 are the Articles of trust and any thought of tinkering with them will alter the relationship between J&K and the union of India.
Reacting to Arun Jaitley’s remarks on Article 35A, Sajad said that all provisions of the Constitution of India except Article 1 and Article 370 have been applied to J&K State through Presidential Orders and not through amendments under Art 368 which requires an approval by two-third majority of both Houses of Parliament.
He said that 35-A is in no way an impediment to investment and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Investors are not willing to set up industry, hotel & private educational institutions in Kashmir due to the prevailing security situation and economic uncertainties attached to it,” he said
He further said that J&K is not the only State where non– locals are prohibited from purchasing land.
“All North Eastern states and even Himachal Pradesh have laws prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land. Why are politicians in New Delhi only against J&K’s special status? What are their views on Art 371-A to 371-K which guarantee provisions like 370 as applicable to North Eastern States? Why do they forget that transfer of immovable property is prohibited in NE States and parts of HP as well?”, he asked.
Reiterating that Article 35-A and Article 370 are Articles of trust, Sajad said even thoughts of tinkering with these Articles will be a sin.
“Article 35A is a matter of faith and dignity for the people of the J&K through which the Constitution of India guarantees to safeguard the special identity and unique status of Jammu & Kashmir. In matters of pride and identity, profit and loss is immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains?” he asked