The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly erupted into chaos on Monday as PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para introduced a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370. The move ignited fierce opposition from BJP legislators, leading to heated exchanges that disrupted the session.

As the assembly convened, Para congratulated the newly elected Speaker and presented his resolution, which condemned the revocation of Article 370 through the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019. “This House opposes the constitutional disempowerment of Jammu and Kashmir and calls for its complete rescinding,” he declared passionately.

In an exclusive interview with News24, Para expressed his belief that the actions taken on August 4, 2019, were unconstitutional and insisted that Jammu and Kashmir should reclaim what was taken from it. He also voiced disappointment over the opposition to his resolution from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to reconsider and support the cause that he feels resonates with the electorate.

However, the resolution faced immediate backlash from BJP MLAs, who called for its dismissal. Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma criticized the timing of Para’s resolution, stating, “This is not done on the first day; such matters should not be introduced during initial proceedings.” Sharma further labeled the resolution as unconstitutional and accused the PDP and National Conference of attempting to destabilize the region’s peace.

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In response to Abdullah’s assertion that the people of JK voted against the abrogation of Article 370, Sharma countered by highlighting that BJP received over one lakh more votes than the National Conference, suggesting public endorsement of Prime Minister Modi’s decision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.

Amidst the uproar, Speaker Rather intervened, emphasizing his role in reviewing the resolution before making any decisions. “Let me examine this and accordingly I will decide,” he stated while attempting to restore order. Despite his efforts, BJP members remained adamant in their demand for an immediate rejection of the resolution.

Support for Para’s initiative came from AIP party MLA Sheikh Khursheed, while former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed it as a mere publicity stunt, asserting that “the people of JK do not approve of the decision made on August 5, 2019.”

The events of the day highlighted the deep political rifts within the Assembly regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s status. As discussions unfold, all eyes are on the Speaker’s forthcoming decision amid ongoing tensions surrounding Article 370’s future in the region.

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