Following the passing of a resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly calling for the restoration of special status to the region, National Conference (NC) workers celebrated the victory, while the BJP staged widespread protests, both inside the Assembly and on the streets of Jammu.
The NC resolution, which was moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and seconded by Cabinet Minister Sakina Masood Ittoo, passed with overwhelming support, despite intense opposition from BJP members. Inside the Assembly, BJP legislators stormed the well of the house, tearing copies of the resolution and raising slogans, including “Jai Shri Ram” and “Anti-Jammu Agenda Nahi Chalega.” The ruckus led to repeated disruptions, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the proceedings for the day.
While the BJP protested vocally in the Assembly, its members also took to the streets of Jammu, staging further demonstrations in response to what they called an “unconstitutional” move by the NC-led government.
Despite the protests, NC workers gathered at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, celebrating the passing of the resolution. The atmosphere was filled with cheers and slogans as party leaders and supporters expressed their solidarity with the cause. NC Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta praised the efforts of Surinder Choudhary and Sakina Masood Ittoo for pushing the resolution through the Assembly, calling it a “bold and historic move.”
Gupta emphasized that the resolution was a crucial step in addressing the “unilateral revocation” of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5, 2019. He said, “Today’s resolution brings renewed hope to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially in securing their land, jobs, and cultural rights, which are at risk without special protections.”
He also extended congratulations to party leaders, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, for their steadfast commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and special status. Gupta added that the National Conference would continue its fight to protect the region’s identity and rights, and called on all political forces and citizens to unite in support of the rightful restoration of the region’s special status.
The NC victory celebration was attended by a large number of senior leaders, including Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Bimla Luthra, Ayub Malik, and other party members who expressed their support for the resolution. At the same time, BJP’s protests outside the Assembly and on the streets of Jammu underscored the sharp divide over the issue, as the region remains at the center of political debates over its constitutional
status.
