J-K Assembly passes resolution seeking restoration of ‘special status’

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaos on its third day as Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced a resolution seeking the restoration of ‘special status’, which was passed with a majority vote.

The resolution, moved by the National Conference leader Surinder Choudhary on behalf of the government, called upon the Central government to initiate dialogue with J&K’s elected representatives for restoring special status and constitutional guarantees. It emphasized safeguarding national unity and the legitimate aspirations of J&K’s people.

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma from the BJP strongly opposed the move, questioning the change in the day’s business. Independent MLAs and Peoples Conference President Sajjad Lone and PDP legislators supported the resolution, which was passed despite BJP protests.

The Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, put the resolution to vote, and it was passed with a majority. The BJP continued protesting, forcing a 15-minute adjournment.

This development comes after the Centre revoked J&K’s special status (Article 370 and Article 35-A) on August 5, 2019, dividing the state into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh. The National Conference had promised to fight to restore statehood and special status in its manifesto.

The resolution moved by Surinder Kumar Choudhary read that this Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal.

“This Assembly calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with the elected representatives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to restore special status and constitutional guarantees and to work out constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.”

“This Assembly emphasizes that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”