For the third day, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly saw fierce clashes over a resolution that sought the restoration of the region's special status. The session turned complete mayhem with shouting, fisticuffs and walkout by BJP members after several were marshalled out of the House for protesting the motion.
The Background of the Controversy
The tension began when the National Conference (NC) introduced a resolution calling for the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. BJP legislators quickly voiced their opposition, labelling the resolution as “illegal” and demanding its withdrawal. The friction escalated when Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Sheikh Khursheed entered the well of the assembly with a banner supporting the resolution. BJP members tore the banner, leading to a scuffle and People’s Conference MLA Sajad Lone also got involved.
This resulted in assembly go into a short adjournment. After that house reassembled and BJP members continued chanting slogans in support of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mookerjee, countered by National Conference members recalling Jammu and Kashmir’s historic autonomy. Despite repeated warnings from the Speaker, the conflict continued, resulting in three BJP MLAs being escorted out by marshals.
Meanwhile, a joint resolution by PDP, People's Conference, and AIP members termed the 2019 abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A "unconstitutional." People's Conference MLA Sajad Lone lashed at the NC for not terming the abrogation with enough vehemence. BJP MLA RS Pathania reacted, saying that Article 370 was done and dusted and regional parties were disrupting the assembly proceedings.
Inputs by Agencies
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