The BJP today attacked National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, saying he was fooling the people of Jammu and Kashmir on Article 35A which grants special privileges to citizens of the state.
The state unit of the party said Kashmiris are settling in Jammu province under a "design" even while they are vehemently opposing the settlement of Kashmiri Hindus and construction of Sainik Colony for the defence personnel in the valley.
"Omar Abdullah is befooling the people of the state by saying that State Subject law practised (Article 35A) in the state does not allow any sex or gender or regional discrimination," party unit's spokesperson Virender Gupta said here.
"State Subject and Article 35A are basic issues that not only allow discrimination on the basis of sex but violate the Article 14 and 16 of Indian Constitution," he added.
Gupta talked about the issue of stringent conditions that have been imposed by the state government for getting State Subject (special residency certificate) issued in favour of its bonafide citizens.
"The people of Jammu region find it difficult to get State Subject issued in favour of their wards and most of the genuine people are facing the prospect of becoming non-State Subjects," he added.
He said such conditions are created by the political class of the Kashmir valley that none among the State Subject holders of Jammu province can settle in the valley.
"The settlement of Kashmiri Pandits back in the valley and construction of Sainik Colony for the defence personnel, those who are bonafide State Subjects, are being vehemently opposed," Gupta said.
The spokesperson said that instead of creating hue and cry about the issue of Article 35A, Omar should wait for the outcome of the case in the Supreme Court.
Gupta also contradicted the statement of Omar that other states like Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern States have laws similar to that of State Subject prevailing in J&K.
He also rubbished Omar's allegation that BJP is playing divisive politics and dividing the people of the state.
