Srinagar, Aug 1 (IANS): The representatives of Kashmiri business community on Wednesday held a silent protest march here, seeking protection of Article 35A which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

The protest march was taken out from Residency Road to the Press Enclave.

Promulgated through a Presidential order in 1954, Article 35A empowers the Jammu and Kashmir Legislature to define the permanent residents of the state and also provide special rights and privileges to them.

The constitutional validity of the article has, however, been challenged in the apex court where the case will come up for next hearing on August 6.

Javaid Ahmad Tenga, president of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), told reporters during the protest march that the business community would shed its last drop of blood to protect Article 35A.

Other prominent members of the business community appealed to the Supreme Court to dismiss the petition seeking abrogation of Article 35A.