Srinagar, 04 November 2024: During the inaugural session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on November 4, 2024, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra introduced a resolution opposing the Indian government's 2019 decision to revoke the region's special autonomous status.
Mr. Parra framed his proposal within a historical context, drawing parallels to the Constituent Assembly of Sheikh Abdullah's era. “Like the Constituent Assembly of Sheikh Abdullah’s time, this Assembly too is a transition to negotiate our relation,” he stated.
He urged his colleagues, “I request that a resolution be passed in the House. On behalf of my party, I present this resolution to oppose the J&K Reorganisation Act and advocate for the restoration of Article 370.”
Parra's move sparked furore within the Assembly with BJP legislator and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma arguing, “This is not appropriate on the first day. Such matters should not be introduced in this House.”
Support for Parra came from Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA Sheikh Khursheed and J&K Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, who expressed solidarity with his cause.
Speaker Rather stated that he would review the resolution before making a decision. “I have not reviewed this yet. Allow me to examine it,” he said.
This move by the PDP appears to preempt a similar initiative anticipated from the ruling National Conference (NC) regarding Article 370.
Moreover, former J&K Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti publicly lauded Mr. Parra for his resolution.
In a post on X, she wrote, “Proud of Waheed Parra for introducing a resolution in J&K Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370 and resolve to restore the special status. God bless you.”