Srinagar – In a significant and contentious move, the Jammu & Kashmir legislative Assembly passed a resolution on Wednesday advocating for the restoration of Article 370, which grants special status to the region. The decision came amidst heated protests from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members, leading Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn the session for 15 minutes amid the chaos. The resolution was introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and was seconded by National Conference (NC) leader and minister Sakina Masood. This bold step was taken on the third day of the Assembly's current session, sparking intense debate and dissent within the house. BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma expressed strong disapproval of the resolution, questioning its relevance while discussions were underway regarding the Lieutenant Governor’s address.
“When the business was about discussion on the Lt Governor’s address, how could the government move such a resolution?” Sharma demanded amid disruptions from his party members. The resolution emphasized the importance of Article 370, stating, “This Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expresses concern over the unilateral removal.” It further urged the Government of India to engage in dialogue with elected representatives from Jammu & Kashmir to restore the special status and constitutional guarantees. “The Assembly emphasizes that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of J&K,” the resolution articulated.
Support for the resolution came from various independent MLAs, including Sheikh Khurshid Ahmed, Shabir Ahmad, and Sajad Lone from the People’s Conference, as well as three members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), showcasing a united front against the BJP's opposition. Despite its passage, analysts indicate that the resolution may hold little constitutional impact. However, politically, it places the Jammu & Kashmir government in direct confrontation with the Central government. The abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A by the Indian Parliament on August 5, 2019, has remained a contentious issue, especially after a Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court upheld the Parliament's authority to do so. As the Assembly reconvened after the brief adjournment, the atmosphere remained charged, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding the status of Jammu & Kashmir in Indian politics.