On the third day of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly session, heated debates and protests erupted after Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary presented a resolution to restore Article 370. The resolution, which was approved by a majority, highlighted the importance of J&K’s special status and was strongly opposed by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and other BJP members.
#WATCH | Srinagar: Ruckus breaks out at J&K assembly over a resolution on the restoration of Article 370.
— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2024
Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary had demanded the resolution, LoP Sunil Sharma had objected to it. pic.twitter.com/2W5q12old0
Deputy CM Choudhary introduced the resolution, saying, “This assembly reaffirms the importance of the special and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal.”
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The resolution also called on the Union government to start talks with J&K’s elected representatives to find ways to restore these provisions. It emphasised that any process to bring back these guarantees must protect both national unity and the valid aspirations of J&K’s people. Senior NC leader and Health Minister Sakina Itoo supported the motion.
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The BJP, led by Sunil Sharma, quickly objected, saying the resolution didn’t match the scheduled business for the day, which was supposed to focus on the Lieutenant Governor’s address. Independent MLAs Sheikh Khursheed and Shabir Kullay, along with People's Conference leader Sajad Lone and three PDP legislators, backed the resolution.
After a series of arguments, Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather put the resolution to a vote, which was passed with a majority. However, BJP members continued their protests, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the Assembly for 15 minutes.
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This move to restore Article 370 aligns with the National Conference’s commitment to fight for the return of J&K’s statehood and special status, which were removed by the Union government on August 5, 2019, when J&K was divided into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
