SRINAGAR, Nov 4: In a heated session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday, PDP MLA Waheed Para moved a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and advocating for the restoration of the erstwhile state’s special status. This led to significant uproar within the House.
The resolution was presented immediately after veteran National Conference (NC) leader and seven-time MLA Abdul Rahim Rather was elected as the first Speaker of the legislative assembly for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Keeping the sentiments of the people of J&K in mind, this House opposes the revocation of the special status (of Jammu and Kashmir),” Para stated as he put forth the resolution.
This action sparked immediate protests from BJP MLAs, all 28 of whom stood in opposition. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma called for Para’s suspension, claiming the resolution violated assembly rules.
Speaker Rather attempted to restore order, repeatedly urging the protesting members to take their seats, but to no avail. He noted that the resolution had not yet reached him for examination.
As tensions escalated, NC MLAs criticized their BJP counterparts for disrupting the proceedings, with NC MLA Shabir Kullay making his way to the well of the House amid the commotion.
Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated by the Centre on August 5, 2019.
