Srinagar, 06 November 2024: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution calling for the restoration of the region’s special status under Article 370, sparking fierce protests from BJP legislators who opposed the motion, forcing Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather to repeatedly adjourn proceeding until tomorrow.
The resolution, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary, called for a renewed focus on J&K’s unique constitutional position. "This Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Choudhary said.
The resolution further urged the Government of India to consult elected representatives to “restore special status and constitutional mechanisms.”
The National Conference (NC) pushed the resolution, backed by non-coalition legislators, giving it a robust majority with support from 60 out of the 90 Assembly members. The measure saw votes from PDP legislators, Awami Ittehad Party's Sheikh Khursheed, Independent MLA Shabir Kullay, and J&K Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone. NC senior leader and Health Minister Sakina Itoo seconded the motion, adding her voice to those advocating for J&K’s distinct constitutional identity.
After the resolution passed, BJP members stormed the well of the House, chanting slogans and challenging the change in scheduled proceedings. “Today’s business was a discussion on the Lieutenant Governor’s address. How can the Speaker suddenly allow a resolution?” Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma demanded. Speaker Rather responded by suspending the session briefly, though tension resumed as soon as proceedings reconvened.
When the Assembly reassembled, BJP legislators refused to take their seats, instead crowding around the Speaker’s podium.
Speaker Rather challenged their opposition, saying, “If you intend to block this House from functioning, consider bringing a no-confidence motion against me.”
Despite the Speaker’s call for order, BJP lawmakers intensified their protest, forcing Rather to adjourn the Assembly until the next day. “Take your seats. Don’t disrupt the House,” Rather urged, though his requests went unheeded.