Srinagar
With rumours rife and fear griping the Valley over the possible removal of Article 35A, former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday warned New Delhi of a bloodbath if it fiddled with the special status of the state.

Mehbooba delivered the message while speaking during the foundation day of the PDP, giving an indication that the party was bracing up for a major showdown against the Centre over Article 35A.

There are speculations that the Centre is planning to revoke Article 35A after August 15. What has added weight to the rumours is that in a surprise move, the Centre has rushed 100 companies of paramilitary forces to the state.

“We have to fight this. No other political party can stand up against this. I read Omar’s statement on Article 35A in which he told New Delhi not to touch it and leave it for the Supreme Court. I am asking you is there anyone from J&K who is ready for any tinkering with Article 35A either by the Central government or by the Supreme Court?” she asked.

She asked people to be ready for the “big fight” to safeguard the special status of the state. “Elections come and go, the government comes and goes The real test now is to save the special position of J&K,” she said.