Erosion of special position responsible for alienation: Sajad

Srinagar, Feb 12: Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday said the erosion of J&K’s special status is responsible for growing alienation and mistrust towards New Delhi.
In a statement issued, Sajad Gani Lone said the Article 35A is not just a matter of legality, but it is a matter of trust between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.
“It is a matter of promises made decades ago. It is a part of a set of special provisions offered to the people of the state in order to be part of India. People ignorant of history pass it off as concessions to the State,” Lone said, adding that tinkering with the constitutional provision will have serious consequences which are beyond our imagination.
He said fiddling with Articles of trust like 35A intensifies the challenges faced by the state.
“The state is facing challenges from forces who are not satisfied with the current level of distinctiveness and are rather disappointed by the gradual erosion of the special status and believe in a separate identity,” he added.
Sajad said the Article 35A and Article 370 are the provisions of Indian Constitution and those questioning them are challenging the constitution of India. “Article 35A is not the only provision in the constitution which has been inserted by the presidential order issued under Article 370,” he said, adding that Supreme Court has upheld the powers of the President to insert provisions in the constitution for application to J&K.
He said the those who challenge Article 35A are only helping in strengthening those forces who have no faith in the constitution.
“Like Article 370, there are special provisions like Articles 371, 371A, 371B, 371C providing for special provisions for Northeast and other states,” he added.