Shutdown in Kashmir Valley over Article 35A rumours

Authorities have imposed a shutdown on Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir Valley following rumours that the Supreme Court has scrapped Article 35A. Separatists have called shutdown last week to highlight the public support for Article 35A. Jammu and Kashmir police issued a statement in Srinagar, 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.” Petition to scrap the Article 35A has been listed for hearing by the Supreme Court on Friday. Article 35A gives powers to the state legislature to define permanent residents of Jammu and Kashmir and their privileges.