Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Erupts in Chaos Over Special Status Resolution
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was embroiled in turmoil for the third straight day as members clashed over a contentious resolution calling for the restoration of the region’s special status. The session witnessed intense shouting, physical confrontations, and a walkout by BJP members after altercations broke out in the well of the House, resulting in the marshaling out of party lawmakers.
The commotion began when the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) introduced a resolution seeking the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A, which previously granted special status to the region. The BJP strongly opposed the motion, branding it as “illegal” and demanded its immediate withdrawal. However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stood firm, asserting that it was the responsibility of the House, not the Speaker, to decide the fate of any resolution.
The situation escalated when BJP’s Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, began delivering his speech. Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Sheikh Khursheed entered the well of the Assembly, holding a banner demanding the restoration of the articles. In response, BJP members tore the banner, leading to a brief scuffle, during which People’s Conference MLA Sajad Lone sided with Khursheed. This prompted a 15-minute adjournment.
After the break, BJP members resumed their protests, ignoring the Speaker’s repeated calls for order. “Do not force me to take actions I do not wish to take,” Speaker Rather warned. The BJP continued chanting slogans in honor of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, while NC members countered with calls in defense of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy.
The situation grew even more tense when Speaker Rather ordered the removal of several BJP members. A physical altercation ensued as assembly marshals escorted three BJP MLAs out of the House, to applause from members of the treasury bench.
Minister Satish Sharma strongly condemned the BJP’s actions, accusing the party of divisive behavior and disrespecting the Constitution. He called for disciplinary action, accusing BJP members of trampling on the Constitution during their protest.
In retaliation, members of the PDP, People’s Conference, and AIP submitted a new resolution condemning the 2019 revocation of Articles 370 and 35A. Led by PDP’s Waheed Para and Fayaz Mir, alongside People’s Conference MLA Sajad Lone, the resolution described the abrogation as “unconstitutional” and a violation of the region’s foundational guarantees. Lone also criticized the NC for not being more assertive in its condemnation of the abrogation, suggesting that they were colluding with the BJP.
BJP MLA RS Pathania responded, claiming that the actions of the regional parties were an attempt to undermine the integrity of the Assembly and reiterated that the matter of Article 370’s abrogation was a “closed issue.”