Kashmiri separatists announce protest calendar on Article 35A issue

Srinagar: Kashmiri separatists announced a five-day protest calendar on Wednesday over the issue of Article 35A, including a strike on August 29 when the Supreme Court will hear a petition challenging the constitutional provision that grants special privileges to people of the state.

Hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, head of moderate faction of Hurriyat Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief Yasin Malik, in a joint statement, said there was a need for fighting on the issue with "unity and steadfastness".

"On Tuesday, 29th August, the day when Indian Supreme Court is hearing this case, a complete and comprehensive protest strike will be observed throughout Jammu and Kashmir.

"If Indian Supreme Court issues any adverse orders in this regard, a complete agitation will start from that very moment," they said.

The separatists alleged that any meddling with "state subject" law, which does not allow outsiders to buy immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, is only aimed at changing the demography of the state.

Announcing a comprehensive protest programme, the separatist leaders said Kashmir Bar association will hold peaceful protest demonstration on August 25.