Violence-marred Kashmir valley witnessed a rare buzz in the markets on Tuesday, eve of Id-ul-Azha. However, festivities were eclipsed by anxiety about the fate of Article 35A, scheduled for hearing in the Supreme Court on August 27.
Women and children were seen swarming the markets since morning. An official said over a lakh goats and sheep must have reached the city’s markets this season.
Scores of shops in Srinagar put up banners in defence of Article 35A. Public transport operators pasted notices on the vehicles demanding retention of the Article.
In a rare Id message, Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also the Valley’s head priest, said: “People of J&K, irrespective of cast creed and region, must take a pledge to protect the State subject law and to remain rock solid to foil all bids aimed at changing the demography. On this auspicious occasion, people of the State must vow to take the ongoing struggle forward.”