by Faiqa Masoodi
SRINAGAR: The inaugural session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, convened on November 4, after a six-year hiatus, was marked by intense drama and a heated exchange as People’s Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed Para introduced a surprise resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and calling for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. This move sparked an immediate uproar among members, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to chaotic scenes in the House.
The day began with the election of senior National Conference (NC) leader Abdul Rahim Rather as Speaker of the Assembly. A veteran of seven terms, Rather’s election was supported across party lines, including congratulatory remarks from Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma of the BJP and Congress representatives.
However, peace was short-lived as Para, representing Pulwama, swiftly moved the controversial resolution, arguing, “Keeping the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in mind, this House opposes the revocation of the special status.” The resolution, which called for rescinding the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and restoring Article 370, resonated with long-standing demands of regional parties.
BJP MLAs responded with vehement opposition, with BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma calling for Para’s suspension, asserting that the resolution violated assembly protocols. BJP legislators raised slogans and demanded the remarks be expunged from the official records, leading to a standoff between the treasury and opposition benches. As Speaker Rather attempted to restore order, PDP supporters (it has three MLAs only) and opposition leader from the People’s Conference, Sajjad Lone, rallied behind Para, signalling their support for the resolution.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who leads the NC government elected in the recent polls, criticised the resolution as “an attention-grabbing first-day stunt,” accusing Para and his colleagues of a “show for the cameras.” Abdullah argued that if the PDP’s intention were genuine, they would have discussed the resolution with the JKNC before presenting it on the floor.
However, Omar acknowledged the widespread opposition in Jammu and Kashmir to the revocation of Article 370, adding, “The reality is that the people of J&K do not approve of the decision taken on August 5, 2019. If they had, today’s assembly would have looked different.”
This session, the first since the BJP-led central government revoked Article 370 on August 5, 2019, has been highly anticipated, given the charged political atmosphere surrounding the region’s reorganisation. The move stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status, reclassifying it as a Union Territory and dividing it from Ladakh. The abrogation triggered widespread dissent across the Valley, and its restoration remains a contentious issue for parties like the PDP and NC, while the BJP has maintained its stance on full integration.
The PDP’s resolution asserted that the House “opposes the reading down of J&K’s special status and constitutional disempowerment through the J&K Reorganisation Act.” Besides, it sought to “strive for the restoration of special status and all constitutional guarantees granted to Jammu and Kashmir in their original, pristine form.” In a two-page letter signed by PDP legislators, including Mir Fayaz from Kupwara and Rafiq Ahmad Naik from Tral, they urged the Speaker to prioritise the resolution, citing the importance of reflecting public sentiment on such a significant issue.
As Para read out the resolution, Sajjad Lone from the People’s Conference stood in solidarity, prompting other members to join in. MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, representing Langate and a member of the Awami Ittehad Party, also expressed support. Amid the increasing commotion, Speaker Rather called for calm, urging lawmakers to allow proceedings to continue.
However, the disruptions escalated as BJP members continued their objections, insisting Parra’s speech be expunged from the records, a demand he resisted asserting that he would go through the draft and decide on it. ”You can not dictate the chair,” Rather ruled.
The incident underscored deep divisions within the assembly, with Abdullah later accusing opposition members of “playing politics” over the issue. Independent MLA from Shopian Shabir Kullay entered the well of the House in protest, joined by other party members, as BJP legislators reiterated their demand to expunge Para’s remarks.
For a few seconds, the din did not permit the reporters to understand who was against whom. The BJP was against the PDP and then JKNC members were pointing too many fingers towards the PDP lawmaker. In one case, even a JKNC lawmaker left his chair and moved towards Parra but was stopped midway by the marshalls.
Is this what people of Jammu and Kashmir get when we remind National Conference of their Promise for reversing undemocratic events of August 2019. Honble MLA Pahalgam showing the future to People on Day 1 of Assembly. pic.twitter.com/5Yk0NCLQVL
— Imran Reza Ansari (@imranrezaansari) November 4, 2024
The five-day session, scheduled to conclude on November 8, is expected to further highlight the political rift in the House, particularly surrounding issues of regional autonomy, statehood, and constitutional rights. Chief Minister Abdullah has indicated that his government will seek the cooperation of the BJP-led Union government in addressing Jammu and Kashmir’s issues, though he has moderated his stance since assuming office, focusing on pragmatic engagement rather than confrontation. His government is also bringing a resolution formally in denial and condemnation of what happened on August 5, 2019.
Meanwhile, PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti expressed her pride in Para’s move, praising him for introducing the resolution. “Proud of Waheed Para for introducing a resolution in the JK Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370 and advocating for restoring special status. God bless you,” Mufti wrote on social media.
The assembly’s session reflects not only the political divides within the newly constituted body but also the broader sentiment in the region. While many in the assembly oppose the abrogation of Article 370, the BJP remains resolute, with Leader of the House Omar Abdullah suggesting that individual resolutions on such matters should be addressed during private members’ business, rather than as impromptu motions.
As the session progresses, observers expect further confrontations over Jammu and Kashmir’s future, with regional identity and autonomy at the forefront of debates. This first session has set the stage for what promises to be an intense week in the legislative assembly, as both supporters and opponents of Article 370’s restoration prepare to make their voices heard in the House
