Srinagar, July 29: National Conference (NC) Chief Farooq Abdullah on Monday threatened the government against abrogating Articles 35 A and 370 that gives special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah said that the both the articles should not be removed as they formed the foundation of the people of the state. Article 370 Row: Rajnath Singh Faces Off With Farooq Abdullah, Says 'No Option But to Abolish Article 370 & 35A'.

Speaking to media, the NC chief said, “Article 35A and Article 370 should not be removed. It forms our foundation. There is no need to remove it. We are Hindustani but they (Article 35A & Article 370) are important for us.”

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On Sunday, People’s Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also raised voice against any move of removing Article 370 and Article 35 A. She said, “Our priority is to defend our identity, especially the legitimacy of Article 35 A and Article 370 of the constitution. So, we are ready for the big fight.” ‘No Jammu & Kashmir or India Will Be Left’, Warns Mehbooba Mufti on Article 370 Row.

Statement of top leaders from the Kashmir Valley came at a time when the Centre approved to moving 10,000 additional paramilitary forces to the state. This development comes after National Security Advisor Ajit Doval returned from a two-day visit to Kashmir Valley. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its manifesto had promised to abolish Article 370 and Article 35A.

Article 35 A grants the Jammu and Kashmir legislature the right to determine the criteria for permanent residency in the state, while Article 370 of the Constitution grants special status to the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2019 04:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).