The National Conference has decided to boycott the panchayat election in Jammu and Kashmir citing the challenge to Article 35A of the constitution.


"The National Conference will not participate in these elections (panchayat), unless & until, the Government of India & the state government clears its position on Article 35A and takes effective steps for the protection of Article 35 A in and outside the court," Farooq Abdullah said on Wednesday.


Former J-K CM Omar Abdullah added that it was for the central government to clarify where it stands with regard to Art 35-A.  "It's not enough to use Panchayat & Municipal elections simply to delay proceedings in court," he said.


The dates for the local body elections in the state have not been declared yet, but they are likely to be held in September-end. 'Article 35-A, which was incorporated in the Constitution by a 1954 Presidential Order, accords special rights and privileges to the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and denies property rights to women who marry those from outside the state.
The provision, which leads to such women from the state forfeiting their right over property, also applies to their heirs.


Last week, the Supreme Court had adjourned the hearing on petitions challenging the validity of Article 35-A of the Constitution to January next year. The Centre and Jammu and Kashmir government referred to the panchayat polls in the state and seek adjournment of hearing on petitions against Article 35A.