Fresh resolution for Article 370 restoration sparks uproar in J-K Assembly

SRINAGAR — Amid the ruckus, the Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Conference and Awami Itihaad Party legislators on Thursday moved a fresh resolution in the Legislative Assembly, seeking the restoration of Article 370 to the Jammu and Kashmir.

BJP legislators were protesting against yesterday’s resolution moved by the Deputy Chief Minister when Sajjad Gani Lone, Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, Mir Muhammad Fayaz and Sheikh Khursheed stood up and started reading the fresh resolution.

The fresh resolution reads: “This House strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped Jammu & Kashmir of its special status and statehood, undermining the foundational guarantees and protections originally accorded to the region and its people by the Constitution of India.”

“This House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unaltered form, and calls for the reversal of all changes introduced by the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. We further urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions and guarantees intended to preserve its distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy.”

Sajjad Lone confronts BJP members to shield Langate MLA

Soon after the fresh resolution was moved in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, proceedings in the House descended into chaos as BJP MLAs clashed with marshals following Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather’s order to remove protesting Opposition MLAs.

The commotion began when Langate MLA Sheikh Khurshid displayed a poster advocating for the restoration of Article 370, sparking a heated confrontation involving J&K People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone.

Sajjad Lone lambasted the National Conference, calling their resolution “drama” and expressing frustration at being labelled BJP allies. “We supported the resolution yesterday and their spokesperson tweets that we are allies of BJP. Enough of this nonsense,” he said.

As tensions escalated, Sheikh Khurshid of AIP jumped into the Well with a banner demanding the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35-A, as well as the release of political prisoners.

BJP members attempted to seize and tear the banner, leading to a violent scuffle. Marshals intervened to restore order, but the situation remained volatile as both sides continued to express their views for and against the resolution.

Speaking to the media outside the House, Sajjad Lone criticized the National Conference for not supporting Khurshid during the attack. “We have fought against Khurshid saab, but as a Kashmiri, when I saw he was attacked alone, I couldn’t stop myself. Did anyone from the National Conference come?” he asked.