In favor of revoking Article 35 A from the state of J&K, Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association (HBCA) led by Tashi Targais, President holds a press conference on September 6 at the Press Club office.

Tashi Targais alleged that the existence of Article 35 A in the state of J&K has created hurdles in the development and progress of the Ladakh region. He said that being in the Kashmir centric government, the aspiration of the people of Ladakh is always neglected and undermined.

Reiterating the demand of including Bhoti language in the 8th schedule of the Indian constitution he said that the central government work as per the state government and nobody considers the sentiments and emotion of the Ladakh region.

He said, “Because of Article 35 A the opening of Kailash Mansarovar route via Ladakh is also not considered.  India is called secular, Muslim and Sikh pilgrims are allowed for Hajj and Pakistan respectively but people of Ladakh are not allowed for the pilgrimage tour to Kailash Mansarovar”.

“Article 35 A is against the oneness of India and discriminatory towards women. It restricts the native woman to hold the right to property after marrying a man not holding a permanent resident certificate. Also, her children are denied the rights of the permanent resident”, he added.

He appealed Government of India to revoke Article 35 A so that all (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) will come under one law.  “Article 35 A should be revoked at any cost for the betterment of the region and getting free from the Kashmir centric government domination”, he said.

When asked about his view on few political parties who supports Article 35 A for the betterment of Ladakh, Tashi Targais said, “Whoever supports Article 35 A will definitely have their own vision and thought. Moreover, it is of a political stand and future of the party.”

Retired IGP, Tsering Phuntsog, Chief Advisor, HBCA said, “Kashmir issue is caused because of the Article 370 and Article 35 A is derivative of 370. The problem of the valley will be resolve with the revocation of the aforesaid Article.”

The members of the Himalayan Buddhist Culture Association strongly urged upon revocation of the Article 35 A.