 Early Times Report
Jammu, Aug 6: Shiv Sena Hindustan National Vice President, Pt Rajesh Kesri has strongly advocated the removal of Article 35A from the Constitution of India. The common people of Jammu Kashmir, the poor, no one is benefitting from Article 370 or Article 35A - whether they are Hindus or Muslims. It is only vested interests, the elite, who have been benefitting these provisions. So called 'experts' are misleading the people by advocating for Article 370," Kesri said, reiterating that it is high time for this law to go. It was added to the Constitution through a presidential order of 1954 with the concurrence of the state government of the day.
Kesri strongly maintained that Articles 35A violates the rights of a large section of society residing in the state. This documentary takes us through the lives of some of the resident groups, victims to the trauma and inequitable treatment created by the implementation of this Article. He said Article 35A should be seen as a danger signal for the nation. "How can the President bring in laws by circumventing the powers of Parliament? If this is allowed, the future of the nation can never be secured, he said. He appealed to the media and the people to stand as one against this unconstitutional law.
The Article has been discriminatory among its own population. A resident woman marrying outside the state is no longer considered a permanent resident, thus she and her children lose their status.
The same is not applicable to male members, who may marry outside the state. Further, residents of the state since Independence, having migrated from Pakistan, are non-residents, while those who emigrated to Pakistan are, Kesri added. The reality is that change in demography has been in the reverse direction, with Kashmiris, Bangladeshis and Rohingyas moving and settling around Jammu and not thxe Valley. |
