The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will convene from October 13 to 20, 2023, as recommended by the cabinet to the Lieutenant Governor. This decision came during a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and attended by all cabinet ministers.
According to sources, the assembly session will likely last just seven days. The recommendation pursued by the cabinet aligns with the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which stipulates no more than six months should elapse between sessions.
The last assembly sitting took place on April 29, 2023, making it imperative that the new session begins before October 28, 2023. The act permits the Lieutenant Governor to summon the Assembly at a time of his choosing, ensuring legislative continuity.
The upcoming session is expected to prioritize the debates around “statehood” for Jammu and Kashmir, alongside discussions on reservation policies. In the previous session, three resolutions concerning statehood lapsed due to frequent disruptions triggered by the National Conference.
Sajad Gani Lone, the President of the People’s Conference and MLA from Handwara, openly criticized the government regarding reservation issues, indicating these topics could dominate the upcoming discussions.
The assembly’s ability to address pressing issues like reservation and statehood will likely reflect the political climate in Jammu and Kashmir. Given the urgency dictated by the J&K Reorganisation Act, party leaders are under pressure to engage in constructive dialogue.
The cabinet’s decision to recommend the autumn session demonstrates a commitment to adhere to legal mandates regarding the timing of assembly meetings. As local leaders advocate for various socio-economic rights, the assembly may serve as a critical platform for public discourse.
Stakeholders are already anticipating heated debates as the legislators prepare to reconvene. As discussions evolve, the statehood issue, along with the circumstances surrounding reservation policies, continues to resonate with constituents across Jammu and Kashmir.
