SRINAGAR: The inaugural assembly session of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union territory erupted into bedlam Monday when PDP MLA Waheed Para introduced a resolution challenging the abrogation of Article 370 and calling for a complete rescission of J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019 that formalised the constitutional changes.
“Keeping the sentiments of the people of J&K in mind, this House opposes the revocation of the special status (of J&K),” Pulwama MLA Para said, sparking an uproar as the assembly sat for the first time in six years.
While the assembly’s agenda had been predetermined, PDP members pressed speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to consider their resolution, prompting immediate protests from BJP MLAs. The 28-member BJP bloc rose to oppose the resolution, calling it a violation of assembly rules and demanding Para’s suspension.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma demanded that Para’s remarks be removed from the record and the resolution be disallowed.
CM Omar Abdullah described Para’s resolution as “for the cameras” and assured that a more comprehensive resolution covering the removal of Article 370 and restoration of statehood and special status would be introduced in due course.
“A single member will not dictate the discussion. This assembly reflects the sentiments of the people of J&K. The truth is that the people have not validated the decisions of Aug 5, 2019. Had that been the case, the election results would have been different,” Abdullah said, while urging the speaker to adjourn the assembly.
This led to noisy exchanges between members of NC, PDP, Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference, and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) of jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid.
NC later accused Para of attempting to undermine the govt’s anticipated resolution on Article 370. “We expect everyone to support the govt’s resolution rather than playing to the gallery and weakening the collective resolve of those who sincerely want to reclaim our constitutional rights, protection of dignity and identity,” an NC spokesperson said.
Para presented his resolution shortly after senior National Conference (NC) functionary Rather, the seven-time MLA for Charar-e-Sharief, was elected as the speaker.
After an adjournment, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha delivered his address, lauding the peaceful completion of the first elections held in a decade as a “critical milestone” in restoring democracy.
“The high turnout, particularly in regions that traditionally could not participate fully because of a vociferous minority sympathetic to separatist sentiments, indicates that the people of J&K continue to see electoral participation as a means to voice their concerns and aspirations,” he said.
Sinha acknowledged the widespread aspiration for J&K’s return to full statehood. “My govt will make all efforts for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the state,” he said, while reminding the assembly that PM Narendra Modi is committed to this goal.
He also referenced a recent resolution passed by the council of minister, saying it “echoes the strong desire of J&K’s residents to return to a complete and self-governed statehood”.
Sinha also addressed the need for rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits displaced by insurgency, pledging to create a safe environment for their return to the valley. “Work on transit accommodation projects for Kashmiri migrant employees will be speeded up for providing them suitable accommodation at designated places,” he said.
He announced plans to identify and rapidly fill govt vacancies and develop 46 new industrial estates to boost employment and attract investment in the region.
“Keeping the sentiments of the people of J&K in mind, this House opposes the revocation of the special status (of J&K),” Pulwama MLA Para said, sparking an uproar as the assembly sat for the first time in six years.
While the assembly’s agenda had been predetermined, PDP members pressed speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to consider their resolution, prompting immediate protests from BJP MLAs. The 28-member BJP bloc rose to oppose the resolution, calling it a violation of assembly rules and demanding Para’s suspension.
BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma demanded that Para’s remarks be removed from the record and the resolution be disallowed.
CM Omar Abdullah described Para’s resolution as “for the cameras” and assured that a more comprehensive resolution covering the removal of Article 370 and restoration of statehood and special status would be introduced in due course.
“A single member will not dictate the discussion. This assembly reflects the sentiments of the people of J&K. The truth is that the people have not validated the decisions of Aug 5, 2019. Had that been the case, the election results would have been different,” Abdullah said, while urging the speaker to adjourn the assembly.
This led to noisy exchanges between members of NC, PDP, Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference, and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) of jailed Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid.
NC later accused Para of attempting to undermine the govt’s anticipated resolution on Article 370. “We expect everyone to support the govt’s resolution rather than playing to the gallery and weakening the collective resolve of those who sincerely want to reclaim our constitutional rights, protection of dignity and identity,” an NC spokesperson said.
Para presented his resolution shortly after senior National Conference (NC) functionary Rather, the seven-time MLA for Charar-e-Sharief, was elected as the speaker.
After an adjournment, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha delivered his address, lauding the peaceful completion of the first elections held in a decade as a “critical milestone” in restoring democracy.
“The high turnout, particularly in regions that traditionally could not participate fully because of a vociferous minority sympathetic to separatist sentiments, indicates that the people of J&K continue to see electoral participation as a means to voice their concerns and aspirations,” he said.
Sinha acknowledged the widespread aspiration for J&K’s return to full statehood. “My govt will make all efforts for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the state,” he said, while reminding the assembly that PM Narendra Modi is committed to this goal.
He also referenced a recent resolution passed by the council of minister, saying it “echoes the strong desire of J&K’s residents to return to a complete and self-governed statehood”.
Sinha also addressed the need for rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits displaced by insurgency, pledging to create a safe environment for their return to the valley. “Work on transit accommodation projects for Kashmiri migrant employees will be speeded up for providing them suitable accommodation at designated places,” he said.
He announced plans to identify and rapidly fill govt vacancies and develop 46 new industrial estates to boost employment and attract investment in the region.
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