The News Craving
Srinagar:
Proceedings in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly were adjourned on Wednesday amid intense clashes over a resolution seeking to reinstate the region’s special status. The resolution, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary of the National Conference, calls for “constitutional protections to safeguard the identity, culture, and rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.”
Choudhary emphasised that the Centre should engage in talks with the region’s elected representatives to restore these protections.
The resolution received backing from factions including the PDP, Peoples’ Conference, and CPI(M), but it ignited strong opposition from BJP members. BJP leader Sunil Sharma argued that the resolution was not part of the official business for the day, prompting his party members to disrupt proceedings, storming the well of the House and chanting slogans against Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.
Speaker Rather initially attempted to calm the assembly by adjourning the session for 15 minutes. However, uproarious scenes were witnessed again when the House reconvened, with BJP members demanding the withdrawal of what they termed an “illegal resolution.” In response, Rather suggested that if the BJP lacked confidence in his impartiality, they could introduce a no-confidence motion. As disorder persisted, he adjourned the session until Thursday.
Earlier, the Assembly had passed the resolution through a voice vote, urging the Government of India to engage in dialogue aimed at restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. The BJP members protested, arguing that this discussion deviated from the planned agenda, which was to address the Lieutenant Governor’s speech.
