Srinagar. A resolution demanding talks between the Center and elected representatives to restore the special status of the erstwhile state was passed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday, leading to ruckus by opposition members. BJP MLAs raised slogans against the Assembly Speaker and tore copies of the resolution.
After huge uproar by BJP members on this proposal, the proceedings of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly were adjourned for the day. Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the proceedings of the House till Thursday. The resolution also expressed concern over the “unilateral removal” of special status. However, it was passed without any debate. The Speaker of the Assembly passed this proposal by voice vote amidst noise. After passing the resolution, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the Assembly has done its work.
Abdullah told reporters outside the Assembly complex, “The Assembly has done its work. That’s all I will say.” Members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Conference and CPI(M) supported the resolution during the voice vote. While many political parties welcomed the move, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said it was a “half-hearted” attempt and the resolution “could have been written in a better way.” In 2019, the Narendra Modi government had abrogated Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and divided the erstwhile state into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Earlier in the day, the Assembly witnessed uproar after the motion was passed as BJP members came in front of the Speaker’s podium to oppose the motion, following which Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the proceedings for 15 minutes. As soon as the assembly proceedings resumed, BJP members continued their protest and raised slogans against Rather.
BJP MLA and leader of opposition Sunil Sharma said, “We have information that you (Assembly Speaker) called a meeting of ministers yesterday and prepared the draft of the resolution yourself.” Rather asked the protesting BJP members to go to their seats and allow the House proceedings to proceed. Amidst the noise, the Assembly Speaker asked NC’s Javed Hasan Baig to move the motion of thanks for the Lieutenant Governor’s address. As the noise continued, the Speaker again adjourned the proceedings for an hour. Later the proceedings were adjourned for the day.
As soon as the assembly proceedings began, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary presented a proposal to restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was canceled by the Center on August 5, 2019. The resolution moved by Chaudhary said, “This Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees that protect the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expresses concern over their unilateral removal.” .” “This Assembly emphasizes that any process of restoration must keep in mind national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution said. BJP members, including opposition leader Sunil Sharma, opposed the proposal, saying it was not part of the agenda of the House.
He said, “We reject the proposal.” The agenda that was given to us was that the discussion would be on the Lieutenant Governor’s address.” Welcoming the passing of the resolution, CPI(M) MLA M.Y. Tarigami said that this is “historic”. People’s Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajjad Lone said that whatever happened on August 5, 2019 was “against the wishes of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The ruling National Conference’s coalition partner Congress said statehood should be restored to Jammu and Kashmir without any delay, with constitutional guarantees including protection of rights to land and jobs. Meanwhile, the local unit of BJP in Jammu protested condemning the passing of the resolution. A group of BJP workers under the leadership of party state president Satpal Sharma burnt the effigies of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister amid sloganeering.