Lagatar24 Desk
Srinagar: The inaugural session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday, following a six-year hiatus, erupted in chaos when People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed Para introduced a resolution opposing the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. Para, representing Pulwama, urged the Assembly to discuss restoring the region’s special status, even though the resolution was not included in the day’s agenda.
In his submission to the newly-elected Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, Para stated, “Although the agenda of the House has been finalised, we believe that your authority as the Speaker allows the inclusion of the resolution, as it reflects the sentiment of the people at large.”
The resolution’s introduction led to immediate backlash from all 28 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, who rose in protest. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma called for Para’s suspension, arguing that the resolution violated Assembly rules. Speaker Rather attempted to restore order, assuring members he would review the resolution if it formally reached him. However, tensions continued as BJP members refused to stand down, prompting National Conference MLAs to criticize them for disrupting proceedings.
Addressing the Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dismissed the resolution as insignificant, suggesting it was merely a publicity stunt. “If there was genuine intent behind this resolution, they would have discussed it with us beforehand,” he commented, while acknowledging the widespread discontent in Jammu and Kashmir regarding the 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also addressed the Assembly, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood: “It would be a reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in our democratic institutions.”
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti praised Waheed Para’s action, expressing pride on social media: “Proud of Waheed Parra for introducing resolution in JK Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370 and resolve to restore the special status. God bless you.”
The abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted Jammu and Kashmir autonomy over internal matters except defense, communications, and foreign affairs, led to the reorganization of the region into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
