JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was adjourned thrice on Monday, the final time for the day, after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather refused to admit a resolution on the Waqf Act moved by ruling party legislator Tanvir Sadiq, citing the matter as sub judice. The refusal triggered protests from several lawmakers, who later accused the government and the Speaker of evading key issues, including the restoration of statehood.
Waheed Parra of the Peoples Democratic Party launched a scathing attack on the Speaker, accusing him of acting as both the government and the chief minister. “He is the Speaker who didn’t allow the resolution against Waqf. They passed resolutions on roads and shouted slogans outside. But inside the House, where the debate should have taken place, they created chaos,” Parra said.
Echoing the sentiment, Sajad Gani Lone of the Peoples Conference alleged that the day’s disruptions were part of a “fixed match” within the National Conference. “The mover of the motion is from NC, the Speaker is from NC, and those who created a scene in support of the motion are also from NC. They are normalising not just the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, but also the broader assault on Muslim identity in Jammu and Kashmir,” Lone said. “I am not concerned about Waqf-e-Nau—I’m concerned about this House failing to speak up.”
Independent legislator from Shopian, Shabir Kullay, said the Speaker denied time for discussion on the statehood resolution, which he said was scheduled in advance. “We had prepared the resolution. It is the most important issue. Yet, the Speaker didn’t let us speak. If we cannot talk about statehood here, where else can we?” Kullay asked.
Kullay also criticised the ruling party for rejecting amendments to the resolution, including those demanding restoration of territorial borders as they stood on August 4, 2019, the return of the state flag, and special status under Article 375. “Only one amendment was reluctantly accepted. The rest were dismissed. This is insincerity towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
CPI(M) leader Yousuf Tarigami also voiced his dismay, framing the issue as a broader challenge to India’s secular character. “This is not about being Muslim or Hindu. We are legislators. What happened today is not just about Jammu and Kashmir, it is about the secular identity of this country,” he said.
Tarigami, who had recently attended an all-India conference in Madurai, said delegates across regions had opposed the Waqf-related bill. “We must oppose this attack on secularism. I appeal to all, including our colleagues in the BJP, to see this as a question of our shared future. Whatever injustice is being done, this House must raise its voice.”
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly is slated to consider some private members’ bills in the next two days before being adjourned sine die.
