Shutdown in Kashmir Valley over Article 35A rumours
Sringar, Aug 27 : Authorities on Monday imposed a shutdown on Srinagar and some other parts of the Kashmir Valley following rumours that the Supreme Court has scrapped Article 35A, police said.
Jammu and Kashmir Police issued a statement here, saying: "Some sections of the media have circulated news regarding scrapping of the Article 35A. The news has been refuted as baseless. People are requested to maintain calm and not to pay heed to these rumours."
As a precaution, shops, public transport and other businesses were shut.
Clashes between stone pelting protesters and the security forces were also reported in Anantnag district and other places.
Petitions challenging Article 35A which gives powers to the state legislature to define permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and their privileges, has been listed for hearing by the Supreme Court on Friday.
Reports from Delhi said a fresh petition seeking scrapping of the Article is being filed in the apex court on Monday which fuelled the rumours.
Governor Satya Pal Malik has engaged Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehra to defend the Article. Authorities have decreased the speed of mobile internet across the Valley.
Separtists have called for a general shutdown on Friday and Saturday to highlight the public support for the Article.
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Will be in politics till 'last breath', says Siddaramaiah, seeks Varuna support for son
Mysuru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said he will be in politics till his "last breath", and will continue to serve the people as much as he can.
He also called on the people of his Varuna assembly segment here, to support and nurture his son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah politically, just as they supported him.
"My political life has seen victories and defeats. I have lost in four elections, won seven. Victories and defeats are common in politics and I have seen both, but I have never forgotten to serve the people. Till today I have been serving the people as much as I can, and I will continue to do so. Till my last breath I will be in politics and will serve you as much as I can," Siddaramaiah said.
Addressing a gathering, he said, he cannot often visit the Varuna assembly segment and that his son, Yathindra, is handling the day-to-day affairs here.
"He was an MLA from here once (2018-23). I will approve all the developmental work here as Yathindra suggested. Like you nurtured me politically you should also nurture Yathindra. I have confidence and faith that you will do it," he added.
These comments have come amid ongoing power tussle between Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar over the chief minister post, amid speculations of leadership change citing alleged "power sharing agreement" between the two after 2023 Assembly polls.
Siddaramaiah credited his political growth and his becoming the CM twice, to the people of Varuna.
"If I'm the chief minister and the Leader of Opposition twice, if I have presented Budgets for 17 times, it is because of the blessing of people of Varuna hobli and Mysuru taluk. I became Minister in 1984, for about 46 years I have been a Minister. I have faced 13 elections, lost in four, and even when I lost you blessed me. I will never forget your blessings," he said.
Recalling his days of struggle, the CM said, with hardwork he studied and became a lawyer. "I later came to politics and because of all your blessings I have grown so far."
