Tensions escalated in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and advocating for the restoration of the region’s special status. This proposal was made shortly after National Conference (NC) leader Abdul Rahim Rather was elected as the first Speaker of the legislative assembly for the union territory.
During his address, Para emphasized the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “This House opposes the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.” The resolution sparked immediate backlash from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, who vocally condemned the move. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma demanded Para’s suspension for allegedly breaching assembly procedures. Despite attempts by Speaker Rather to restore order and request that protesting members take their seats, the disruption continued, prompting further tension.
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Chief Minister’s Criticism
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized Waheed Para’s actions, asserting that resolutions cannot be introduced unilaterally by a single member. “No single member can take a decision on the issue of Article 370. Resolutions cannot be introduced like this. This is nothing but politics,” he stated, urging the Speaker to adjourn the House.
Abdullah went on to question the validity of the resolution, arguing, “If the people of Jammu and Kashmir had approved the decision made on August 5, 2019, then the results today would have been different.” He dismissed the resolution as politically motivated and lacking significance, stating, “The resolution brought today has no importance but it is only for the cameras.”
Chaos in the Assembly
The atmosphere in the assembly grew increasingly chaotic as NC MLA Shabir Kullay joined in, expressing discontent over the disruptions caused by BJP members. The abrogation of Article 370, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, remains a deeply divisive issue within the region, highlighting the ongoing tensions between different political factions. The assembly session ultimately underscored the complexities surrounding the future of Jammu and Kashmir and the contentious debate over its governance.