ISLAMABAD – In occupied Kashmir, complete shutdown was observed for thesecond consecutive day, on Monday, against the BJP-led Delhi government’splans to abrogate Article 35-A of Indian constitution.

The Article 35-A grants special rights and privileges to permanentresidents of Jammu and Kashmir and bars the non-Kashmiris from purchasingland and property in the territory.

Call for the strike was given by the Joint Resistance Leadership andsupported by legal and trader bodies and civil society organizations.

All shops and business establishments are closed in all major cities andtowns of the territory.Train service remained suspended for the second day,today.

The shutdown was aimed at lodging protest against the hearing by the IndianSupreme Court of the petitions seeking repeal of the Article 35-A.

Meanwhile, Indian Intelligence agencies have warned the government ofpossible uprising in Jammu and Kashmir if the Supreme Court passes anadverse order on Article 35-A of the Constitution

On the other hand, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference Azad Jammu andKashmir chapter held a protest rally in Islamabad, today, against theassault on Article 35-A.

Members of District Bar Association Kishtwar held a protest march in thetown.

Police used brute force against protesters in Srinagar when they tried tomarch towards the United Nations office at Sonawar to submit a memorandumseeking the World Body’s intervention for the dismissal of the petitionschallenging Article 35-A.

The protest was organized by the Kashmir Economic Alliance. Policearrested many protesters including KEA central leaders Farooq Ahmad Dar,Ajaz Shahdhar and Haji Nazir Ahmad Zargar.

In a statement in Srinagar, the Joint Resistance Leadership said that theunequivocal, united and unanimous verdict by the people of Chenab Valley,Pir Panjal, Kashmir and Kargil against the planned attack on the identityof Jammu and Kashmir should serve as an eye opener for Indian rulers andpolicy makers.