By Aasif Suhaf

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed dramatic scenes today as Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced a resolution calling for the restoration of Special Status of J&K. The resolution, championed by the National Conference (NC), was passed by a majority vote despite vehement opposition from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

The session erupted into chaos shortly after Choudhary presented the resolution, which underscored the importance of special constitutional guarantees for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The motion expressed deep concern over the “unilateral removal” of these protections and urged the Government of India to engage in meaningful dialogue with elected representatives to restore the region’s special status.

“This Assembly emphasizes that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution stated. It garnered support from senior NC leader and Health Minister Sakina Itoo, as well as Independent MLAs and members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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However, the proceedings quickly turned contentious. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma criticized the timing of the resolution, questioning its procedural integrity while discussions regarding the Lieutenant Governor’s address were ongoing. “When business was about discussion on LG’s address, how can a resolution be moved?” Sharma argued, igniting heated exchanges between BJP and NC members.

Tensions escalated as BJP MLAs protested vocally, some even tearing copies of the resolution in a dramatic display of defiance. Amidst the uproar, Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather decided to put the resolution to a vote, which ultimately passed despite continued protests from BJP legislators. The Speaker later adjourned the House for 15 minutes due to the escalating chaos.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly passes the resolution for the restoration of JK’s special status, amidst a stormy session.

BJP MLA’s opposes the resolution, torn copies.. @news24tvchannel #JammuKashmir #PoliticsInAction pic.twitter.com/ODYMi5HOE3

— asifsuhaf (@asifsuhaf) November 6, 2024

In an exclusive interview with News24 following the assembly session, Surinder Chowdhury reaffirmed the National Conference’s commitment to restoring the rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents. He criticized the BJP for its perceived double standards, noting that while it advocates for special status for its allies in other states, it opposes similar requests from Jammu and Kashmir.

“The people here are suffering,” Chowdhury stated. “Since our special status was taken away unilaterally by the central government, we have seen our resources—mining, land, and jobs—being exploited by outsiders.”

As BJP leaders continued their protests against the passing of the resolution, accusing the NC of pursuing a “Pakistani and anti-national agenda,” Speaker Rather adjourned the House for the remainder of the day.

Congress state president Tariq Hamid Qarra echoed sentiments for restoration, stating that his party’s position remains unchanged since August 6, 2019: “We want restoration of statehood and rights for JK, which have been snatched from us undemocratically and unconstitutionally.”

BJP’s Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, Sunil Sharma, stated that it would take thousands of rebirths for the Abdullah family to restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and even then, they would not be able to bring it back. Sharma emphasized that what has been done in Parliament and upheld by the Supreme Court of India is beyond the authority of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly to question or discuss. He declared that they would not allow the assembly to function until the Speaker retracts the resolution that was brought in by what he described as cheating in the House.

The passing of this resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing political discourse surrounding Jammu and Kashmir, especially following the Centre’s controversial decision on August 5, 2019, to revoke its special status and bifurcate the region into two Union Territories. The National Conference continues to advocate for the restoration of statehood and special status as a key component of its political manifesto.

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