Srinagar sources have stated that by welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's outreach to Kashmiris from the iconic Red Fort, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti made the state's complex relationship with the central government the crux of her Independence Day speech, underlining that there can't be any compromise on the special status of the state.
Meanwhile, as per article 35-A bars outsiders from owning property in Jammu and Kashmir, a petition in the Supreme Court says the provision discriminates against women of the state, who lose their right to own property in the state if they marry a "non-resident". The provision is considered fundamental to the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
PM Modi said "Kashmir problem cannot be resolved by bullets or abuses. It can be resolved by embracing Kashmiris". Moreover former CM and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah welcomed PM Modi's words for Kashmir that "We look forward to being embraced in the warm grip of understanding, acceptance and respect". But he cautioned that "everyone here is weary of yet more talk and no concrete action.
