Assembly has done its job after speaker passes resolution on Article 370, 35A:Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir’s former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Wednesday said that the Legislative Assembly has fulfilled its responsibility after the Speaker passed a resolution regarding Article 370 and Article 35A.
He stated that the Assembly has performed its constitutional duty, and now it is up to the central government to address these issues.
Notably, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed heated debates and protests on the third day of its session as Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced a resolution to restore Article 370. The resolution, which calls for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, was ultimately passed by a majority vote, sparking significant backlash from opposition members.
Surinder Choudhary, representing the government, presented the resolution shortly after the Assembly convened. The resolution highlighted importance of the constitutional guarantees that previously protected the unique identity, culture, and rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people. It urged the Government of India to engage in dialogue with elected representatives from the region and consider constitutional measures to restore these protections.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo, a senior National Conference (NC) leader, seconded the resolution, reflecting strong support within the ruling party. The resolution also stressed that any restoration process should ensure both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir
However, the move drew sharp criticism from the opposition, particularly from BJP Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma. Sharma questioned the procedural validity of introducing the resolution, noting that the scheduled business was to discuss the Lieutenant Governor’s address. “How could a resolution be moved during this time?” he argued, with other BJP leaders echoing his concerns.
Despite the objections, several independent MLAs, including Sheikh Khursheed and Shabir Kullay, along with People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone and three legislators from the PDP, expressed their support for the resolution.
After a tense debate, Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather put the resolution to a vote, where it passed with a majority. This decision led to continued protests from the BJP, resulting in the Speaker adjourning the House for 15 minutes to restore order.
The move revisits the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, which was removed on August 5, 2019, when the Centre restructured the region into two Union Territories Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The National Conference had pledged in its manifesto to fight for the restoration of statehood and special status for Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)
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