J&K Peoples’ Movement (JKPM) has termed the latest amendments to the Domicile Law insufficient as it keeps the window open for demographic changes in the state of J&K.In a press statement JKPM Vice President Advocate Syed Iqbal Tahir said that the Domicile Law will continue to grant domicile status to those who are non-state subjects and after obtaining the domicile certificate, all the rights and privileges of a state subject will be vested in such non-state subjects.”In this manner change in the demography of J&K will be brought about which in turn will result in death of the unique identity and culture of the people of J&K, ” Tahir said.He expressed concern that the Domicile Law could bring about a profound transformation of J&K’s population and could exacerbate the conflict in the state.”Abrogation of Article 370, a constitutional provision that gave the state of Jammu and Kashmir the ability to make many of its own laws and Article 35A, which granted Kashmir’s legislature jurisdiction over residency and land ownership, has already alienated the people of J&K, ” he said.”By introducing demographic changes, GOI will further alienate the population of J&K, ” he added.
He claimed that the Domicile Law granting domicile to non-state subjects is not in consonace with the urges and aspirations of people of J&K.Tahir said that JKPM reminds the government of its multiple commitments made over the floor of the Parliament that demography of the state will remain intact. If a government cannot stick to its own commitments, this is quite unfortunate.JKPM expressed hope that Supreme Court shall grant justice to the people of J&K by declaring the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A as illegal.It is noteworthy that JKPM has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court challenging the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution of India.
