Prominent Shia cleric and Imam-e-Juma Lucknow, Maulana Kalbe Jawwad, has welcomed the scrapping of Articles 370 and 35A of the Constitution and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories.

He appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir not to be misled by the propaganda of secessionist organisations in the Valley and the cross-border sponsored terrorists.

“The scrapping of Article 370 will do no harm to Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India. The people living in other states where there is no Article 370 are enjoying fundamental rights and they are leading peaceful life,” Maulana Jawwad said.

He added, “We are also pained if the people of Jammu and Kashmir face problem. That does not mean that the people of the border state can support secessionist organisations and still expect support for their cause from the people of rest of India.”

Urging the people of Jammu and Kashmir to maintain peace, Maulana Jawwad said, “After the repeal of Article 370, the status of Jammu and Kashmir will be like other states and Union territories and instead of holding violent demonstration and fighting the security forces, the separatist organisations should come to the negotiating table for amicable settlement of their problems.”

Maulana Jawwad added, “negotiated settlement” is the only solution of the problem of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Accusing the separatist leaders of pursuing double standards, Maulana Jawwad said, “On one hand, they demand secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India and on the other, they want all facilities from the government.”

Maulana Jawwad said he would do his best to ensure that the poor people of Jammu and Kashmir get all those facilities which are admissible to the Dalit community in rest of the country.