NTI, Srinagar: The first session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, held after a gap of six years, saw heated exchanges on Monday when Waheed Para, a People’s Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Pulwama, introduced a resolution calling for the restoration of the union territory’s special status by reinstating Article 370. Para’s move sparked chaos in the House as he urged newly-elected Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to allow a discussion on the resolution, despite it not being on the five-day session’s official agenda.
“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 submitted by Para read.
The introduction of the resolution prompted a strong reaction from the 28 BJP MLAs in the Assembly, who immediately voiced their opposition, leading to a loud and disorderly environment. BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma demanded Para’s suspension, arguing that the resolution violated Assembly rules.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly requested order, urging the protesting BJP members to resume their seats. Rather clarified that the resolution had not yet reached his table but assured members that he would review it if it were formally submitted.
Amidst the uproar, National Conference MLAs criticized the BJP for obstructing the Assembly’s proceedings. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also weighed in, dismissing the resolution as “a display for the cameras” and stating that such matters required broader consultation. “How the House will reflect and discuss this will not be decided by any one member. If there was a purpose behind it, then they would have discussed this with us beforehand,” he remarked.
Omar Abdullah, however, acknowledged that many in Jammu and Kashmir remain unsettled by the abrogation of Article 370, a step taken by the central government on August 5, 2019.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured that his administration would strive for the full restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “My government will make all efforts for the restoration of full statehood… It would be a reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people of Jammu and Kashmir in our democratic institutions,” he stated.
Former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti praised Para’s stance 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,” she tweeted.
Article 370, a provision in the Indian Constitution, previously granted Jammu and Kashmir special autonomy, allowing the region to maintain its own constitution, flag, and jurisdiction over internal affairs, except in defense, communications, and foreign policy. However, the provision was abrogated by the Indian government in August 2019, reclassifying the region as two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
