The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a tumultuous session , marked by heated exchanges and chaotic confrontations among lawmakers. The session began with a dramatic display when AIP MLA Khurshid Ahmad unfurled a banner demanding the restoration of Article 370 and 35A. This act sparked immediate outrage among BJP legislators, who confronted Ahmad and tore the banner to shreds.
The uproar led to the Speaker adjourning the Assembly for 15 minutes. Upon reconvening, tensions escalated further as BJP MLAs attempted to storm the Well of the House, prompting the Speaker to direct Marshalls to remove those causing the disturbance. Three BJP MLAs, including R S Panthania, were forcibly removed from the chamber amid the chaos.
As the situation intensified, remaining BJP members shouted demands for the withdrawal of a resolution concerning special status that had been passed by the government the previous day. “This House is not a fish market. This is the Legislative Assembly,” the Speaker declared, attempting to restore order.
The Assembly was adjourned again until tomorrow after opposition leaders, including PDP’s Wahid Para and PC’s Sajad Lone, sought to introduce another resolution on the restoration of Article 370. The BJP’s insistence on scrapping the earlier resolution was met with strong rebuttals from Treasury benches, particularly from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who accused the BJP of “double standards” and mismanagement over the past decade.
Choudhary stated, “You sold Jammu land; you are responsible for the mess in Jammu,” while Food Minister Satish Sharma urged his colleagues to allow the House to conduct its business without further disruption. He emphasized the need for unity among Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, warning against divisive politics.
Despite repeated calls from the Speaker for opposition members to take their seats, they continued to demand that the recent resolution be expunged. Observing the proceedings with a stoic demeanor was Leader of the House Omar Abdullah, who remained silent amid the uproar.
In the latest move, PDP moved a fresh resolution in the J&K Assembly seeking the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.
The ongoing discord in the Assembly underscores the deep divisions among lawmakers from BJP and NC, PDP, PC and AIP regarding issues of special status and regional identity in Jammu and Kashmir.
