National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank.

The National Conference, its arch-rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and new entrant People's Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone have been talking about protection of Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution in their rallies in the run-up to the polling which is scheduled to begin on April 11, latching on to BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks that Article 35A will be repealed by 2020.

"Protecting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed in the Constitution of the country, is one of the main cornerstones of our campaign for these elections," National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah told PTI.

The former chief minister dismissed suggestions that six Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir were numerically insignificant in case the special provision related to the state was to be scrapped through legislation in Parliament.

"It is not a numerical argument, it is an argument based on facts. Yes, we only have six seats but Jammu and Kashmir bats far above its rankings otherwise. The smallest thing in Jammu and Kashmir becomes international news, very big things in other states are often ignored. So, I think six members in Parliament can do more than 60 from another state," he said.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is using the special status of the state and the buzz surrounding it to stage a comeback after her party's coalition government with the BJP fell last year.

She has adopted a more hardline posture than any of the regional parties on the issues related to Article 35A and Article 370.

"The relationship between our state and the country is based on our special constitutional position that legitimises it. If we remove, what legalises this relationship, it will turn into an occupation and colonisation," she said.

Mehbooba, while reacting to Shah's remarks on Article 35A, said the relation of Jammu and Kashmir with India will end if the terms and conditions of state's accession to the Union were changed.&nbsp;

"2020 will also be a deadline from Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. If you remove those terms and conditions on which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, our relation with the country will also finish," the former chief minister, who is contesting from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, said.

Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-led coalition government in the state from the BJP quota, has also vowed to defend the state's special status.

"Article 35A is a matter of faith and dignity for the people of the J&amp;K through which the Constitution of India guarantees to safeguard the special identity and unique status of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. In matters of pride and identity, profit and loss are immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains," Lone asked.

He said Jammu and Kashmir was not the only state with special residency laws.

"All northeastern states and even Himachal Pradesh have laws prohibiting non-locals from purchasing land. Why are politicians in New Delhi only against J&amp;K's special status? What are their views on Art 371-A to 371-K which guarantee provisions like 370 as applicable to the northeastern states," he said.

Although Congress leaders in their campaign have focussed more on issues dominating the discourse at the national level, the local leaders have made it a point to raise the issue of protecting the special status in electioneering in the valley.

"No power in the world can revoke Article 370 and Article 35-A," state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is contesting from the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, claimed.&nbsp;

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank.

National security and corruption have emerged as some of the main issues in the Lok Sabha elections but regional parties in Jammu and Kashmir have kept protection of the state's special status under the Constitution of India as their key poll plank. The National Conference, its arch-rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and new entrant People's Conference led by Sajad Gani Lone have been talking about protection of Articles 35A and 370 of the Constitution in their rallies in the run-up to the polling which is scheduled to begin on April 11, latching on to BJP chief Amit Shah's remarks that Article 35A will be repealed by 2020. "Protecting the special status of Jammu and Kashmir as guaranteed in the Constitution of the country, is one of the main cornerstones of our campaign for these elections," National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah told PTI. The former chief minister dismissed suggestions that six Lok Sabha members from Jammu and Kashmir were numerically insignificant in case the special provision related to the state was to be scrapped through legislation in Parliament. "It is not a numerical argument, it is an argument based on facts. Yes, we only have six seats but Jammu and Kashmir bats far above its rankings otherwise. The smallest thing in Jammu and Kashmir becomes international news, very big things in other states are often ignored. So, I think six members in Parliament can do more than 60 from another state," he said. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti is using the special status of the state and the buzz surrounding it to stage a comeback after her party's coalition government with the BJP fell last year. She has adopted a more hardline posture than any of the regional parties on the issues related to Article 35A and Article 370. "The relationship between our state and the country is based on our special constitutional position that legitimises it. If we remove, what legalises this relationship, it will turn into an occupation and colonisation," she said. Mehbooba, while reacting to Shah's remarks on Article 35A, said the relation of Jammu and Kashmir with India will end if the terms and conditions of state's accession to the Union were changed. "2020 will also be a deadline from Jammu and Kashmir to the nation. If you remove those terms and conditions on which Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, our relation with the country will also finish," the former chief minister, who is contesting from Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, said. Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-led coalition government in the state from the BJP quota, has also vowed to defend the state's special status. "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 are immaterial. Can a country allow a foreign country to undermine its sovereignty and national pride just for the sake of some monetary gains," Lone asked. He said Jammu and Kashmir was not the only state with special residency laws. "All northeastern 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 the northeastern states," he said. Although Congress leaders in their campaign have focussed more on issues dominating the discourse at the national level, the local leaders have made it a point to raise the issue of protecting the special status in electioneering in the valley. "No power in the world can revoke Article 370 and Article 35-A," state Congress chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who is contesting from the Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, claimed.

Lok Sabha elections: J&K parties make special status key poll issue

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

"Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&amp;K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here.

Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state.

Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir.

The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India.&nbsp;

"Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said.

Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters.&nbsp;

Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked.

Hitting back at Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for advocating repeal of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said on Saturday that the relationship between the Union and the state would be over if Article 370 of the Constitution is revoked. "Jaitley must understand this. It is not an easy thing to say. If you scrap (Article) 370, your relation with J&K will be over," Mehbooba told party workers at her residence here. Jaitley had on Thursday advocated repeal of Jammu and Kashmir's special status and said Article 35A, which restricts non-permanent residents to buy property in Jammu and Kashmir, is "constitutionally vulnerable" and also hampering economic development of the state. Mehbooba said Article 370 was a bridge between the Union and the state and if the special provision of the Constitution was revoked, then New Delhi would have to "renegotiate" its relationship with Jammu and Kashmir. The former chief minister has said in case Article 370 is revoked, Jammu and Kashmir will have to rethink whether it wants to stay with India. "Because if you have given us a special position in the Constitution of India and you break that position, then we will have to rethink whether we would even want to stay with you without conditions," she said. Earlier, National Conference leader Mohammad Abdullah Wani and Awami Insaf Party chief Ghulam Ahmad Sheikh Saloora joined the PDP, along with their supporters. Wani and Saloora were welcomed into the party fold by Mehbooba and party patron Muzaffar Hussain Beigh.

If special status withdrawn, ties between J&K and India will be over: Mehbooba

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week. According to reports, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-pleas-challenging-constitutional-validity-of-article-35a-this-week-199582">the apex court will entertain the pleas between February 26 and 28</a>, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The petition was originally filed by a Delhi-based NGO 'We the citizen', stating that Jammu and Kashmir's autonomous status granted by Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution discriminates against fellow citizens from the rest of the country.

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday maintained that it is firm on its stand on the Article and seeks deferment of hearing.

Addressing a press conference, senior bureaucrat Rohit Kansal, who has been designated as the chief spokesperson of the governor's administration, said, "The stand of the state government on the request of deferment of hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court remains the same as requested by them on February 11."

Article 35A grants special privileges to Jammu &amp; Kashmir. Here's a quick look at what the Article stands for.&nbsp;

Understanding Article 35A

Article 35A is a provision in the Constitution that empowers the legislature of Jammu and Kashmir to define "permanent residents" of the state.

Permanent residents of the state are given special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the state, scholarships, and other public aid and welfare.

The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land.

The J&amp;K legislature can alter the definition of "permanent resident" only through a law passed by a two-thirds majority.

The history

Article 35A was added through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954, issued under Article 370.

It was incorporated into the Constitution by an order by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet.

The petition&nbsp;

A Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370, arguing that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of the Constitution and that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status under the Constitution.&nbsp;

It contends that Article 370 was only a "temporary provision" to help bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen democracy in the state. And that the writers of the Constitution did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring about permanent amendments - like Article 35A - in the Constitution

The petition states that Article 35A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it creates a “class within a class of Indian citizens”, and that stopping citizens of other states from finding employment or buying property in Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week. According to reports, the apex court will entertain the pleas between February 26 and 28, news agency ANI reported.

The Supreme Court of India is expected to hear pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the Article 35A this week. According to reports, the apex court will entertain the pleas between February 26 and 28, news agency ANI reported. The petition was originally filed by a Delhi-based NGO 'We the citizen', stating that Jammu and Kashmir's autonomous status granted by Article 370 and Article 35A of the Constitution discriminates against fellow citizens from the rest of the country. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday maintained that it is firm on its stand on the Article and seeks deferment of hearing. Addressing a press conference, senior bureaucrat Rohit Kansal, who has been designated as the chief spokesperson of the governor's administration, said, "The stand of the state government on the request of deferment of hearing on Article 35A in the Supreme Court remains the same as requested by them on February 11." Article 35A grants special privileges to Jammu & Kashmir. Here's a quick look at what the Article stands for. Understanding Article 35A Article 35A is a provision in the Constitution that empowers the legislature of Jammu and Kashmir to define "permanent residents" of the state. Permanent residents of the state are given special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the state, scholarships, and other public aid and welfare. The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land. The J&K legislature can alter the definition of "permanent resident" only through a law passed by a two-thirds majority. The history Article 35A was added through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954, issued under Article 370. It was incorporated into the Constitution by an order by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet. The petition A Delhi-based NGO, We the Citizens, challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370, arguing that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of the Constitution and that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status under the Constitution. It contends that Article 370 was only a "temporary provision" to help bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen democracy in the state. And that the writers of the Constitution did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring about permanent amendments - like Article 35A - in the Constitution The petition states that Article 35A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it creates a “class within a class of Indian citizens”, and that stopping citizens of other states from finding employment or buying property in Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

Key facts about Article 35A and why Supreme Court will entertain pleas against it this week 

The CPI(M) has filed an intervention plea in the pending Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The intervention plea is filed through advocate-on-record Resmitha R Chandran. Senior advocate P V Surendranath will argue the matter in the apex court for the party.

"The party is of the unequivocal opinion that Article 370 shall in no circumstance be annulled, modified or repealed. The party opposes the relief sought in the Special Leave Petition," CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami said in a statement.

"The special status guaranteed to the State of Jammu Kashmir under the Constitution of India which has assumed the permanent feature of the Constitution requires protection as any alteration would be against the policy of federalism envisaged by the framers of the Constitution," he said.

Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in unique circumstances and it poses a unique problem which requires a unique solution, he said.

It was the only state to declare its intention to have its own Constitution drafted by its own constituent assembly as far back as March 5, 1948, he said.

"Federalism is a basic feature and part of basic structure of the Constitution. To promote fraternity among all the citizens, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation is our constitutional motto as declared in the preamble of our Constitution," he said.

Tarigami said the relative autonomy of states on federal principle was a pre-condition for preserving and developing unity and integrity of the nation.

"Federalism also presupposes acknowledgment of historical realities and special nature and objective factors with respect to deferent states and their population," he said.

Article 370 grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A empowers the state legislature to define permanent citizens. 
The next date for hearing on Article 370 is scheduled on January 19.

The CPI(M) has filed an intervention plea in the pending Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The CPI(M) has filed an intervention plea in the pending Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of Article 370 of the Constitution, which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The intervention plea is filed through advocate-on-record Resmitha R Chandran. Senior advocate P V Surendranath will argue the matter in the apex court for the party. "The party is of the unequivocal opinion that Article 370 shall in no circumstance be annulled, modified or repealed. The party opposes the relief sought in the Special Leave Petition," CPI(M) leader and MLA Kulgam M Y Tarigami said in a statement. "The special status guaranteed to the State of Jammu Kashmir under the Constitution of India which has assumed the permanent feature of the Constitution requires protection as any alteration would be against the policy of federalism envisaged by the framers of the Constitution," he said. Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India in unique circumstances and it poses a unique problem which requires a unique solution, he said. It was the only state to declare its intention to have its own Constitution drafted by its own constituent assembly as far back as March 5, 1948, he said. "Federalism is a basic feature and part of basic structure of the Constitution. To promote fraternity among all the citizens, assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation is our constitutional motto as declared in the preamble of our Constitution," he said. Tarigami said the relative autonomy of states on federal principle was a pre-condition for preserving and developing unity and integrity of the nation. "Federalism also presupposes acknowledgment of historical realities and special nature and objective factors with respect to deferent states and their population," he said. Article 370 grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir while Article 35A empowers the state legislature to define permanent citizens. The next date for hearing on Article 370 is scheduled on January 19.

CPI(M) files intervention plea in pending SLP in Supreme Court challenging Article 370

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday said&nbsp;the issue of Article 370 had already been settled and did not need any consideration, however, it gave the government three weeks to challenge the validity of Article 370.

Article 370 in the Indian constitution gives "autonomous status" to Jammu and Kashmir which is "temporary and transitional" in nature.

However, justices AK Goel and Rohinton Nariman said that a 2017 judgement had held that Article 370 wasn't temporary, implying it cannot be abrogated.&nbsp;

The apex court said that in its earlier verdict of 2017 in the SARFESI case, it has been already held that Article 370 was "not a temporary provision".

"The issue concerned is covered by the judgement of this court in the 2017 SARFAESI matter, where we have held that despite the headnote of Article 370, it is not a temporary provision," a bench of justices A K Goel and R F Nariman said.

“The issue is already decided in our judgment where we have said that despite the fact the head note says it’s a temporary provision, it’s not,” Justice Nariman told the petitioner.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre said that the matter be heard after some time as similar matters are pending before the court and are to be listed shortly.

Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan and advocate Shoeb Alam appearing for the Jammu and Kashmir government clarified that other matters which are pending before the apex court relates to Article 35 A of the Constitution and not Article 370 as submitted by the ASG.

“Despite the fact that it is, therefore, stated to be temporary in nature, sub- clause (3) of Article 370 makes it clear that this article shall cease to be operative only from such date as the President may by public notification declare. And this cannot be done under the proviso to Article 370 (3) unless there is a recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State so to do,” the Bench declared.

The petitioner Kumari Vijayalakshmi Jha had sought a declaration that Article 370 was temporary in nature due to the dissolution of the J&K Assembly in January 1957.&nbsp;

Article 370 has acquired political colour with the BJP in favour of scrapping the Article although the NDA alliance is in no hurry to go ahead.

The Centre said it would study the 2017 judgment in State Bank of India vs Santosh Gupta case and respond to the Supreme Court's view on the matter.

Article 370 has acquired political colour with the BJP in favour of scrapping the Article

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday said the issue of Article 370 had already been settled and did not need any consideration, however, it gave the government three weeks to challenge the validity of Article 370. Article 370 in the Indian constitution gives "autonomous status" to Jammu and Kashmir which is "temporary and transitional" in nature. However, justices AK Goel and Rohinton Nariman said that a 2017 judgement had held that Article 370 wasn't temporary, implying it cannot be abrogated. The apex court said that in its earlier verdict of 2017 in the SARFESI case, it has been already held that Article 370 was "not a temporary provision". "The issue concerned is covered by the judgement of this court in the 2017 SARFAESI matter, where we have held that despite the headnote of Article 370, it is not a temporary provision," a bench of justices A K Goel and R F Nariman said. “The issue is already decided in our judgment where we have said that despite the fact the head note says it’s a temporary provision, it’s not,” Justice Nariman told the petitioner. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the Centre said that the matter be heard after some time as similar matters are pending before the court and are to be listed shortly. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan and advocate Shoeb Alam appearing for the Jammu and Kashmir government clarified that other matters which are pending before the apex court relates to Article 35 A of the Constitution and not Article 370 as submitted by the ASG. “Despite the fact that it is, therefore, stated to be temporary in nature, sub- clause (3) of Article 370 makes it clear that this article shall cease to be operative only from such date as the President may by public notification declare. And this cannot be done under the proviso to Article 370 (3) unless there is a recommendation of the Constituent Assembly of the State so to do,” the Bench declared. The petitioner Kumari Vijayalakshmi Jha had sought a declaration that Article 370 was temporary in nature due to the dissolution of the J&K Assembly in January 1957. Article 370 has acquired political colour with the BJP in favour of scrapping the Article although the NDA alliance is in no hurry to go ahead. The Centre said it would study the 2017 judgment in State Bank of India vs Santosh Gupta case and respond to the Supreme Court's view on the matter.

Article 370 on status of J&K not a temporary provision: Supreme Court

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-reaches-out-to-dalit-community-says-no-one-respected-ambedkar-the-way-our-government-has-128296">Modi reaches out to Dalit community, says no one respected Ambedkar the way 'our government has'</a>

Seeking to reach out to the Dalit community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said no regime had honoured B R Ambedkar as his government had. Modi's remarks come soon after widespread protests, some turning violent, in different parts of the country over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities of SCs and STs.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/blackbuck-poaching-case-verdict-on-salman-saif-tabu-expected-tomorrow-128300">Blackbuck poaching case: Verdict on Salman, Saif, Tabu expected tomorrow</a>

A Jodhpur court will pronounce its verdict in the 1998 black buck poaching case against actor Salman Khan and others on Thursday. Final arguments of the case were completed in the trial court on March 28, after which Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri had reserved the judgment.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rising-fuel-prices-rahul-calls-modi-king-of-misinformation-128292">Rising fuel prices: Rahul calls Modi 'king of misinformation'</a>

With the soaring petrol and diesel prices, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is leaving no chance to criticise PM Modi, holding him accountable for being ignorant about higher fuel prices.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245">Article 370 on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245">status</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245"> of J&K </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245">not</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-on-status-of-jk-not-a-temporary-provision-supreme-court-128245"> a temporary provision: Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court said on Tuesday said the issue of Article 370 had already been settled and did not need any consideration, however, it gave the government three weeks to challenge the validity of Article 370.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/not-in-a-trade-war-with-china-says-trump-128330">'Not in a trade war with China,' says Trump</a>

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States is not in a trade war with China, as both sides shake global markets with tit-for-tat actions. "We are not in a trade war with China, that war was lost many years ago by the foolish, or incompetent, people who represented the US," Trump said in a morning tweet.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Read the five big stories of the day here

Modi reaches out to Dalit community, says no one respected Ambedkar the way 'our government has' Seeking to reach out to the Dalit community, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said no regime had honoured B R Ambedkar as his government had. Modi's remarks come soon after widespread protests, some turning violent, in different parts of the country over a Supreme Court verdict putting in place safeguards to prevent misuse of a law to prevent atrocities of SCs and STs. Blackbuck poaching case: Verdict on Salman, Saif, Tabu expected tomorrow A Jodhpur court will pronounce its verdict in the 1998 black buck poaching case against actor Salman Khan and others on Thursday. Final arguments of the case were completed in the trial court on March 28, after which Chief Judicial Magistrate Dev Kumar Khatri had reserved the judgment. Rising fuel prices: Rahul calls Modi 'king of misinformation' With the soaring petrol and diesel prices, Congress president Rahul Gandhi is leaving no chance to criticise PM Modi, holding him accountable for being ignorant about higher fuel prices. Article 370 on status of J&K not a temporary provision: Supreme Court The Supreme Court said on Tuesday said the issue of Article 370 had already been settled and did not need any consideration, however, it gave the government three weeks to challenge the validity of Article 370. 'Not in a trade war with China,' says Trump President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States is not in a trade war with China, as both sides shake global markets with tit-for-tat actions. "We are not in a trade war with China, that war was lost many years ago by the foolish, or incompetent, people who represented the US," Trump said in a morning tweet.

News brief: Big stories of the day

There is no proposal for scrapping Article 370, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, under the government's consideration, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir made the assertion while replying to a written question from BJP MP Ashwini Kumar.

"There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the government," Ahir said.

Kumar had asked whether the government was committed to scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution.

'There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the government,' Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Ahir said

There is no proposal for scrapping Article 370, which gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir, under the government's consideration, the Lok Sabha was informed today. Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj Gangaram Ahir made the assertion while replying to a written question from BJP MP Ashwini Kumar. "There is currently no such proposal under consideration of the government," Ahir said. Kumar had asked whether the government was committed to scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution.

No proposal to scrap Article 370 for Kashmir, says government

&quot;At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom&hellip;. when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance&rdquo;.

The famous Tryst and Destiny speech was addressed by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on the eve of Indian Independence when the country was stepping from the old to new.

The two hundred years of colonial power had left India poverty-stricken and disintegrated, and the partition inflicted severe pains of communal violence.

It was not easy to lay the foundation of a country, which had suffered two hundred years of exploitation. The struggle for Independence had already played a major role in unifying the country, but half of the battle was still to be won in laying the foundation for &ldquo;India&rdquo;.

The collective efforts of the first Prime Minister Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the 567 princely states into the dominion of India. The Congress managed to add Junagarh, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kashmir and many other princely states to India.

It implemented many other policies to reform the social, economic and educational sector of the country. However, amidst the many progressive steps that were undertaken for the improvement of the country, the Congress led by Nehru was also held responsible for the existing ire on Kashmir as well as the enmity between India and Pakistan.

Jammu and Kashmir had voluntarily joined India after Indian army protected the state from the atrocities, loot, murder and rapes committed by Pakistani Kabalis. The then ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh had sought help from India after the tribal invasion by Pakistan.

In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession and acceded to be a part of the dominion of India.

&nbsp;However, the issue of Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Pakistan keeps on asking for UN involvement in resolving the matter between the two countries.

National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was also involved in a similar rhetoric recently. While asking for more autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister of the state emphasised on PoK being part of Pakistan. While readily accepting PoK as part of Pakistan, he said that India cannot claim its authority over it. He reminded that India should stick to the Instrument of Accession signed with Maharaja Hari Singh.

Evidently, off late, Farooq Abdullah has been speaking in the language of Pakistan.

He said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and &quot;this won&#39;t change&quot; no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other.

&quot;You do not remember the Instrument of Accession and claim the other side of Kashmir is administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?&quot; he said.

Separatists and leaders like him who willfully accept the occupation of Pakistan over PoK choose to avoid the constant revolt by the people against the human right violations.

PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region. To mark the unfortunate seventy years of the &ldquo;Black Day&rdquo; invasion, Gilgit and Baltistan held protest across the region on October 22, 2017.

The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory.

Another PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan&#39;s claim over Kashmir. Calling it propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s?&nbsp;

He said, &quot;Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan&#39;s? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors, they have written &#39;Kashmir banega Pakistan.&quot;

Recently, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan&#39;s immoral imposition of taxes on them. The lawyers claim that the imposition of any tax in the region is illegal as people of the region do not have any representation in national assembly and senate.

Legal experts say that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should not be taxed until they are granted constitutional rights. They also underlined that there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the Constitution, also that the state provides them subsidies.

Pakistan and its organisations and leaders who constantly attack India over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not forget that the peaceful state was first attacked by Pakistan Kabalis. It was Pakistan which had created havoc in one of the most peaceful areas of South Asia.

The ones who talk about India conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir must not forget that according to the UN resolution, Pakistan is first supposed to vacate the place.

&nbsp;Responding to P. Chidambaram&rsquo;s advice for granting greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Arun Jaitley had said its position regard to aazadi or greater autonomy for Kashmir was against the national interest.

P Chidambaram recently said when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for aazadi, most of them mean they want greater autonomy.

On this Jaitley blamed Congress&rsquo;s flawed policy since 1947 for the Kashmir problem.

He asked what kind of &ldquo;aazadi or autonomy&rdquo; is Chidambaram asking which the state government or India&rsquo;s Constitution does not already provide.

Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said that the state assembly and the state government have all the necessary powers under the Constitution, and the only issues not covered by the state are defence, communication, foreign affairs and currency.

Recently, a Delhi-based NGO&nbsp; filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Article 35A. Article 35(A) and Article 370 gives special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu &amp; Kashmir. It restricts people from the rest of the country to buy or own immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, settle permanently, or avail themselves of state-sponsored scholarship schemes. The petition said that the article discriminates against the fellow citizens from the rest of the country.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

&nbsp;

PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region.

"At the stroke of the midnight hour when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom…. when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance”. The famous Tryst and Destiny speech was addressed by Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru on the eve of Indian Independence when the country was stepping from the old to new. The two hundred years of colonial power had left India poverty-stricken and disintegrated, and the partition inflicted severe pains of communal violence. It was not easy to lay the foundation of a country, which had suffered two hundred years of exploitation. The struggle for Independence had already played a major role in unifying the country, but half of the battle was still to be won in laying the foundation for “India”. The collective efforts of the first Prime Minister Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel succeeded in integrating the 567 princely states into the dominion of India. The Congress managed to add Junagarh, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kashmir and many other princely states to India. It implemented many other policies to reform the social, economic and educational sector of the country. However, amidst the many progressive steps that were undertaken for the improvement of the country, the Congress led by Nehru was also held responsible for the existing ire on Kashmir as well as the enmity between India and Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir had voluntarily joined India after Indian army protected the state from the atrocities, loot, murder and rapes committed by Pakistani Kabalis. The then ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, Hari Singh had sought help from India after the tribal invasion by Pakistan. In return, he signed the Instrument of Accession and acceded to be a part of the dominion of India. However, the issue of Kashmir still remains a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. Pakistan keeps on asking for UN involvement in resolving the matter between the two countries. National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah was also involved in a similar rhetoric recently. While asking for more autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, the former chief minister of the state emphasised on PoK being part of Pakistan. While readily accepting PoK as part of Pakistan, he said that India cannot claim its authority over it. He reminded that India should stick to the Instrument of Accession signed with Maharaja Hari Singh. Evidently, off late, Farooq Abdullah has been speaking in the language of Pakistan. He said Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) belongs to Pakistan and "this won't change" no matter how many wars India and Pakistan fight against each other. "You do not remember the Instrument of Accession and claim the other side of Kashmir is administered by Pakistan. If that side is ours, then you should talk about the accession as well. Why do you forget the conditions on which we have acceded?" he said. Separatists and leaders like him who willfully accept the occupation of Pakistan over PoK choose to avoid the constant revolt by the people against the human right violations. PoK recently held anti-Pakistan protests across the region to mark 70 years of Pakistan occupation of the region. To mark the unfortunate seventy years of the “Black Day” invasion, Gilgit and Baltistan held protest across the region on October 22, 2017. The protestors chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Pakistan Army from the occupied territory. Another PoK leader Tauqeer Gilani hit out at the Pakistan occupation on Kashmir. While addressing a conference in Muzaffarabad, he questioned Pakistan's claim over Kashmir. Calling it propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges, he asked where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? He said, "Where is it written that Kashmir is Pakistan's? No agreement says so. This is nonsense and is propaganda by Muslim Conference and their paid stooges. Even on our bathroom doors, they have written 'Kashmir banega Pakistan." Recently, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have strengthened their voice against Pakistan's immoral imposition of taxes on them. The lawyers claim that the imposition of any tax in the region is illegal as people of the region do not have any representation in national assembly and senate. Legal experts say that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan should not be taxed until they are granted constitutional rights. They also underlined that there are no taxes in Jammu and Kashmir despite it being part of the Constitution, also that the state provides them subsidies. Pakistan and its organisations and leaders who constantly attack India over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir should not forget that the peaceful state was first attacked by Pakistan Kabalis. It was Pakistan which had created havoc in one of the most peaceful areas of South Asia. The ones who talk about India conducting plebiscite in Jammu and Kashmir must not forget that according to the UN resolution, Pakistan is first supposed to vacate the place. Responding to P. Chidambaram’s advice for granting greater autonomy for Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Arun Jaitley had said its position regard to aazadi or greater autonomy for Kashmir was against the national interest. P Chidambaram recently said when people of Jammu and Kashmir ask for aazadi, most of them mean they want greater autonomy. On this Jaitley blamed Congress’s flawed policy since 1947 for the Kashmir problem. He asked what kind of “aazadi or autonomy” is Chidambaram asking which the state government or India’s Constitution does not already provide. Union Finance minister Arun Jaitley also said that the state assembly and the state government have all the necessary powers under the Constitution, and the only issues not covered by the state are defence, communication, foreign affairs and currency. Recently, a Delhi-based NGO filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging Article 35A. Article 35(A) and Article 370 gives special rights to the permanent residents of Jammu & Kashmir. It restricts people from the rest of the country to buy or own immovable property in Jammu and Kashmir, settle permanently, or avail themselves of state-sponsored scholarship schemes. The petition said that the article discriminates against the fellow citizens from the rest of the country. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity).

Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK

The Supreme Court will on Monday hear four petitions demanding the scrapping of Article 35A which grants special privileges to Jammu &amp; Kashmir.&nbsp;

The original petition was filed by Delhi-based NGO We the citizen, saying the state&rsquo;s autonomous status granted by Article 370 and Article 35(A) of the Constitution discriminates against fellow citizens from the rest of the country.

What is article 35A?

Article 35A is a provision in the Constitution that empowers the J&amp;K Legislature to define &quot;permanent residents&quot;&nbsp;of the state.

Permanent residents&nbsp;are conferred&nbsp;special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the state, scholarships, and other public aid and welfare.

The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land.

Article 35A was added through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954, issued under Article 370.

The J&amp;K legislature can alter the definition of &quot;permanent resident&quot; only through a law passed by a two-thirds majority.

Article 35A was incorporated into the Constitution by an order by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet.

The petition We the Citizens challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370. It argues that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of the Constitution, and that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status under the Constitution. It contends that Article 370 was only a &quot;temporary provision&quot; to help bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen democracy in the state. And that the writers of the Constitution did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring about permanent amendments -- like Article 35A -- in the Constitution

The petition states that Article 35A is against the &ldquo;very spirit of oneness of India&rdquo; as it creates a &ldquo;class within a class of Indian citizens&rdquo;.

And that stopping citizens of other states from finding employment or buying property in Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

Article 35A allows the state of Jammu and Kashmir to pronounce who is a 'permanent resident' of the state

The Supreme Court will on Monday hear four petitions demanding the scrapping of Article 35A which grants special privileges to Jammu & Kashmir. The original petition was filed by Delhi-based NGO We the citizen, saying the state’s autonomous status granted by Article 370 and Article 35(A) of the Constitution discriminates against fellow citizens from the rest of the country. What is article 35A? Article 35A is a provision in the Constitution that empowers the J&K Legislature to define "permanent residents" of the state. Permanent residents are conferred special rights and privileges in public sector jobs, acquisition of property in the state, scholarships, and other public aid and welfare. The provision mandates that no act of the legislature coming under it can be challenged for violating the Constitution or any other law of the land. Article 35A was added through the Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 1954, issued under Article 370. The J&K legislature can alter the definition of "permanent resident" only through a law passed by a two-thirds majority. Article 35A was incorporated into the Constitution by an order by then President Rajendra Prasad on the advice of the Jawaharlal Nehru Cabinet. The petition We the Citizens challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370. It argues that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of the Constitution, and that the state of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status under the Constitution. It contends that Article 370 was only a "temporary provision" to help bring normalcy to Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen democracy in the state. And that the writers of the Constitution did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring about permanent amendments -- like Article 35A -- in the Constitution The petition states that Article 35A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India” as it creates a “class within a class of Indian citizens”. And that stopping citizens of other states from finding employment or buying property in Jammu and Kashmir is a violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

What is Article 35A, which SC will hear petitions against today?

The Supreme Court has deferred its hearing by three months on a bunch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-to-hear-plea-against-article-35a-key-points-to-know-about-the-article-35a-23109"> Article 35A which empowers the legislature of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to define permanent residents&nbsp;of the state.</a>

The top court, which had initially said it would hear the matter after two months, amended its order to defer the hearing by three months.

The petitions, filed by an NGO, contend&nbsp;that the politically contentious article was illegally added to the Constitution of India as the Article was never proposed before the Parliament.

Article 35A also allows the legislature to provide special rights and privileges to those it defines as permanent residents.

Four petitions, which demanded the scrapping of the provision, have been listed before a bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak 
Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud.

The main petition was filed by &quot;We the Citizens&quot;, a Delhi-based NGO in 2014.&nbsp;

Three more petitions were also filed challenging the Article but were later clubbed with the main one.

The top court has indicated that the issue may be dealt with by a five-judge constitution bench to ascertain whether Article 35A which relates to special rights and privileges of the citizens of the Jammu and Kashmir is ultra vires of the Constitution or if there is any procedural lapse.

Article 370 gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Indian federation. Article 35A was added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954 and accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of the Jammu and Kashmir. It also empowers the state&#39;s legislature to frame any law without attracting a challenge on grounds of violating the Right to Equality of people from other states or any other right under the Indian Constitution.

A plea filed by Charu Wali Khanna, a lawyer and former member of the National Commission for Women, has challenged certain provisions of Article 35A of the Constitution and Section 6 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution which deal with the &quot;permanent residents&quot; of the state. The plea has challenged those provisions which deny property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. The provision, which makes such women from the state to lose rights over property, also applies to her son.&nbsp;

Article 35A empowers the legislature of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to define 'permanent residents' of the state

The Supreme Court has deferred its hearing by three months on a bunch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of Article 35A which empowers the legislature of the state of Jammu and Kashmir to define permanent residents of the state. The top court, which had initially said it would hear the matter after two months, amended its order to defer the hearing by three months. The petitions, filed by an NGO, contend that the politically contentious article was illegally added to the Constitution of India as the Article was never proposed before the Parliament. Article 35A also allows the legislature to provide special rights and privileges to those it defines as permanent residents. Four petitions, which demanded the scrapping of the provision, have been listed before a bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud. The main petition was filed by "We the Citizens", a Delhi-based NGO in 2014. Three more petitions were also filed challenging the Article but were later clubbed with the main one. The top court has indicated that the issue may be dealt with by a five-judge constitution bench to ascertain whether Article 35A which relates to special rights and privileges of the citizens of the Jammu and Kashmir is ultra vires of the Constitution or if there is any procedural lapse. Article 370 gives special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Indian federation. Article 35A was added to the Constitution by a Presidential Order in 1954 and accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of the Jammu and Kashmir. It also empowers the state's legislature to frame any law without attracting a challenge on grounds of violating the Right to Equality of people from other states or any other right under the Indian Constitution. A plea filed by Charu Wali Khanna, a lawyer and former member of the National Commission for Women, has challenged certain provisions of Article 35A of the Constitution and Section 6 of the Jammu and Kashmir Constitution which deal with the "permanent residents" of the state. The plea has challenged those provisions which deny property rights to a woman who marries a person from outside the state. The provision, which makes such women from the state to lose rights over property, also applies to her son.

Supreme Court defers hearing by 3 months in Article 35A case

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday that &quot;necessary constitutional amendments&quot; will have to be made to &quot;assimilate&quot;&nbsp;the people of Jammu and Kashmir into India.&nbsp;

Bhagwat was speaking at RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra.&nbsp;

&quot;Necessary constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed in that state. Only when the constitutional amendments are done, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir can be completely assimilated with the rest of India,&quot; PTI reported Bhagwat as saying.

Bhagwat, who spoke for over an hour, said there was a need to take the benefits of development to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

He also added that the problem of refugees in Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been solved.&nbsp;

PTI reported him as saying that for decades, they are living in miserable conditions as refugees for their decision to be in &quot;Bharat&quot;.

Also read --&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rohingyas-will-be-threat-to-nations-security-mohan-bhagwat-20849" target="_blank">RSS chief on Rohingya: Why have they come here? Why can&#39;t they live there?</a>

&nbsp;

Bhagwat was speaking at RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday that "necessary constitutional amendments" will have to be made to "assimilate" the people of Jammu and Kashmir into India. Bhagwat was speaking at RSS headquarters in Nagpur on the occasion of Dussehra. "Necessary constitutional amendments will have to be made and old provisions will have to be changed in that state. Only when the constitutional amendments are done, the residents of Jammu and Kashmir can be completely assimilated with the rest of India," PTI reported Bhagwat as saying. Bhagwat, who spoke for over an hour, said there was a need to take the benefits of development to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He also added that the problem of refugees in Jammu and Kashmir has not yet been solved. PTI reported him as saying that for decades, they are living in miserable conditions as refugees for their decision to be in "Bharat". Also read -- RSS chief on Rohingya: Why have they come here? Why can't they live there?

RSS chief: Constitutional amendments necessary to assimilate Jammu and Kashmir into India

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kept aside the issue of abrogation of the&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340817000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFeHfxss3E44uBsKz61mALtijOSSQ" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>&nbsp;because of the compulsions of coalition politics, Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister&nbsp;Nirmal Singh said on Wednesday. &nbsp;

&quot;We are very clear on this. When we went to the&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DJammu%2520and%2520Kashmir&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340817000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE6RxWZgeOljc_ezaoPba52jQjUKQ" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jammu%20and%20Kashmir" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir</a>&nbsp;people with an agenda of 44 plus but the way people of&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;voted then definitely we had to form the government on the basis of common agenda. Our coalition partner doesn&#39;t agree with this and that is why we have kept it side for the time being,&quot; ANI reported.

The BJP is ruling&nbsp;Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp;with its coalition partner&nbsp;the People&#39;s Democratic Party (PDP).

Singh explained that since this was a Constitutional provision, any change in the status required a set procedure.

&#39;If we have to change the&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>, then there is a Constitutional process for that. We are a democratic country and everything is open for judicial scrutiny. We believe in the Constitutional process. We required numbers for that (Abrogation of&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>) which is not with us,&quot; Singh said while addressing a press conference.

<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>&nbsp;provides temporary provisions to the state of&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DJammu%2520and%2520Kashmir&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFdnNHXxafkhxBeLXI9MTed8gNdHg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jammu%20and%20Kashmir" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir</a>&nbsp;granting it special autonomy under the Indian Constitution.

Under&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>&nbsp;the Indian Parliament cannot increase or reduce the borders of the state.

The BJP has long been opposed to the&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>. Its ideologue&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DDr%2520Syama%2520Prasad%2520Mookherjee&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEBzsj0Day58E5BnYTCk_kMo2wFvw" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Dr%20Syama%20Prasad%20Mookherjee" target="_blank">Dr Syama Prasad Mookherjee</a>&nbsp;was strongly opposed to&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>&nbsp;and saw it as a threat to unity of the country and fought against it inside and outside of the Parliament.

Mookherjee served as minister for industry and supply in prime minister&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DJawaharlal%2520Nehru&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHZS6V-REWOQenfAtnFNvIXvqlz2A" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jawaharlal%20Nehru" target="_blank">Jawaharlal Nehru</a>&#39;s cabinet. After falling out with Nehru, Mukherjee quit the Indian National Congress and founded the right-wing nationalist&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DBharatiya%2520Jana%2520Sangh&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNECC_G6tanOIimoIfg_kbjRSUR_aw" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Bharatiya%20Jana%20Sangh" target="_blank">Bharatiya Jana Sangh</a>&nbsp;(which would later evolve into BJP) in 1951.

Under&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGo9QvdEdum6bSdnTFWQHmLH8LDXg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>,&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DJammu%2520and%2520Kashmir&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFdnNHXxafkhxBeLXI9MTed8gNdHg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jammu%20and%20Kashmir" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir</a>&nbsp;was granted its own flag along with Prime Minister whose permission was required for anyone to enter the state. In opposition to this, Mookherjee once said &quot;Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge&quot; (A single country can&#39;t have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two national emblems).&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DBharatiya%2520Jana%2520Sangh&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNECC_G6tanOIimoIfg_kbjRSUR_aw" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Bharatiya%20Jana%20Sangh" target="_blank">Bharatiya Jana Sangh</a>&nbsp;along with&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DHindu%2520Mahasabha&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340818000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEaJ4qC6U4s3qOg-9xmcrmchnesUg" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Hindu%20Mahasabha" target="_blank">Hindu Mahasabha&nbsp;</a>and Jammu Praja Parishad launched a massive Satyagraha to get the provisions removed.

Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 illegally, and observed a hunger strike to protest the law that prohibited Indian citizens from settling within the state and mandating that they carry ID cards. Mukherjee wanted to go to&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DJammu%2520and%2520Kashmir&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340819000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF6H2BH9aNEByw--ZMhxx5cN7XUow" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jammu%20and%20Kashmir" target="_blank">Jammu and Kashmir</a>&nbsp;but, because of the prevailing permit system, he was not given permission. He was arrested on&nbsp;May 11&nbsp;at Lakhanpur while crossing the border into Kashmir illegally. Although the ID card rule was revoked owing to his efforts, he died as a detenu on June 23, 1953 under mysterious circumstances.

Since then, the BJP has been opposed to the&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://www.aninews.in/search?query%3DArticle%2520370&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1506614340819000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG39QdwLwG3KikgMz-nsLTDnwDf9g" href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Article%20370" target="_blank">Article 370</a>&nbsp;and wants its abrogation.

Nirmal Singh said that BJP has kept aside the issue of abrogation of the Article 370 because of the compulsions of coalition politics

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kept aside the issue of abrogation of the Article 370 because of the compulsions of coalition politics, Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh said on Wednesday. "We are very clear on this. When we went to the Jammu and Kashmir people with an agenda of 44 plus but the way people of Jammu and Kashmir voted then definitely we had to form the government on the basis of common agenda. Our coalition partner doesn't agree with this and that is why we have kept it side for the time being," ANI reported. The BJP is ruling Jammu and Kashmir with its coalition partner the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Singh explained that since this was a Constitutional provision, any change in the status required a set procedure. 'If we have to change the Article 370, then there is a Constitutional process for that. We are a democratic country and everything is open for judicial scrutiny. We believe in the Constitutional process. We required numbers for that (Abrogation of Article 370) which is not with us," Singh said while addressing a press conference. Article 370 provides temporary provisions to the state of Jammu and Kashmir granting it special autonomy under the Indian Constitution. Under Article 370 the Indian Parliament cannot increase or reduce the borders of the state. The BJP has long been opposed to the Article 370. Its ideologue Dr Syama Prasad Mookherjee was strongly opposed to Article 370 and saw it as a threat to unity of the country and fought against it inside and outside of the Parliament. Mookherjee served as minister for industry and supply in prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet. After falling out with Nehru, Mukherjee quit the Indian National Congress and founded the right-wing nationalist Bharatiya Jana Sangh (which would later evolve into BJP) in 1951. Under Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir was granted its own flag along with Prime Minister whose permission was required for anyone to enter the state. In opposition to this, Mookherjee once said "Ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur Do Nishan nahi chalenge" (A single country can't have two constitutions, two prime ministers, and two national emblems). Bharatiya Jana Sangh along with Hindu Mahasabha and Jammu Praja Parishad launched a massive Satyagraha to get the provisions removed. Mookerjee went to visit Kashmir in 1953 illegally, and observed a hunger strike to protest the law that prohibited Indian citizens from settling within the state and mandating that they carry ID cards. Mukherjee wanted to go to Jammu and Kashmir but, because of the prevailing permit system, he was not given permission. He was arrested on May 11 at Lakhanpur while crossing the border into Kashmir illegally. Although the ID card rule was revoked owing to his efforts, he died as a detenu on June 23, 1953 under mysterious circumstances. Since then, the BJP has been opposed to the Article 370 and wants its abrogation.

BJP has kept Article 370 issue aside for time being: J&K minister Nirmal Singh

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