Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution urging the central government to engage with regional representatives to restore the special status that was revoked in 2019.
The resolution, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, reasserted the significance of the former special provisions, emphasizing their role in preserving the region’s identity, culture, and rights. The resolution also highlighted that any discussions on restoration should balance national unity with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The move led to heated protests from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who criticized the resolution, calling it a “rat race” with no practical impact.
Sharma argued that the restoration of Article 370, which was revoked by Parliament in 2019 under the NDA government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was not on the Assembly’s agenda and dismissed the motion as symbolic.
The situation quickly escalated, with National Conference (NC) members and other regional party representatives vocally supporting the resolution. BJP members tore copies of the resolution, threw them into the well of the Assembly, and disrupted proceedings. Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat condemned the BJP members’ actions, accusing them of disrespecting parliamentary norms and undermining the right of every member to voice their opinions.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather ultimately proceeded with a voice vote, leading to the resolution’s passage. BJP members continued their protest, storming the well of the House, which forced the Speaker to adjourn the session briefly.
The revocation of Article 370 in 2019 reorganized Jammu and Kashmir, dividing it into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
