J&K House adopts statehood resolution amid BJP protests and walkout
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Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution urging the Centre to restore full statehood to the Union Territory, despite vehement protests and a walkout by BJP legislators.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved the resolution, which was passed in the absence of the BJP members, who staged demonstrations inside the House before walking out.
The BJP, which has 29 members in the 90-seat Assembly, objected to the manner in which the resolution was admitted for discussion. Its legislators alleged that Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather had allowed it to be taken up by relaxing the Assembly’s rules.
At the beginning of the session, BJP members rose from their seats and protested against the resolution. The party also submitted a motion seeking the Speaker’s removal, accusing him of permitting the Chief Minister’s resolution in violation of established procedure.
Rather declined to step aside, saying he had not gone through the notice submitted by the BJP. He said the motion would be listed after 14 days in accordance with the Assembly’s rules.
Led by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, BJP members entered the well of the House and conducted a mock proceeding. Marshals were later directed to remove some of the protesting legislators as Omar Abdullah continued speaking in support of the resolution amid the uproar.
The resolution was subsequently passed after the BJP members left the House.
The BJP has also objected to the resolution being linked to earlier demands for the restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
Jammu and Kashmir was converted into a Union Territory after Parliament abrogated Article 370 in August 2019 and divided the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The passage of the resolution has renewed the political confrontation between the ruling National Conference and the BJP over statehood, Article 370 and the region’s constitutional status.
(Inputs from IANS)