By Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
SRINAGAR: On Wednesday, the third day of Jammu and Kashmir’s first legislative session, a heated debate is expected as lawmakers prepare to respond to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address, which mentioned the sensitive topic of Article 370. The session is expected to bring sharp exchanges, with the National Conference signalling its intent to advocate for the restoration of Article 370 and Assembly powers, while the BJP is expected to push back on these demands.
Senior National Conference leader and MLA Aijaz Ahmed Jan, speaking to Kashmir Life, said, “Statehood, Article 370, and Article 35A are the top priorities of our government.” “It is my responsibility within this assembly to honour the mandate given by the people and to fulfil their wishes. God willing, you will see that we will raise our voices on this matter,” he added.
“Unlike others who speak for the media or photo opportunities, we will speak for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. When the time is right and the platform is available, you will hear our clear stance on Article 370, Article 35A, and the restoration of statehood,” said Aijaz.
He further added, “Whenever and wherever necessary, whether through a bill or a resolution, we will fight for what is rightfully owed to our people and ensure they receive the relief they deserve.”
Another senior National Conference leader and MLA Saifullah Mir spoke about his party’s dedication to “keeping Article 370 in focus” and highlighted its significance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “Article 370 and 35A hold a special place in the hearts of National Conference members. We are committed to advocating for greater autonomy and the restoration of Article 370,” Mir told local news agency KINS.
In contrast, the BJP has indicated that it will strongly oppose any calls to revisit Article 370, which was abrogated by the central government in 2019. Party representatives have consistently argued that the Union Territory’s status has brought greater integration and development, which is expected to position the BJP firmly against demands to reverse these changes.
The debate, which is expected to be heated, could see stormy exchanges between members on both sides of the benches, with statehood and local governance issues also on the agenda. The National Conference recently submitted a formal resolution to the central government requesting the restoration of statehood, which Mir called a “positive step” toward re-establishing Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomous status.
Beyond Article 370, Mir has also spoken about addressing local infrastructure challenges, promising improvements in water supply, roads, and healthcare as part of the National Conference’s commitment to its constituents. “The people have voted for the National Conference, and it is our duty to respect their vote and work on their problems,” Mir added.
Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, while discussing Article 370, said, “There is no assembly that can bring back Article 370 or challenge it. It was revoked by Parliament, and only Parliament can address the issue.” “We will never tolerate Kashmiri youth being on the streets again because of Article 370,” Sharma added.
Former cabinet minister and BJP MLA Chander Prakash Ganga, speaking to Kashmir Life, asserted, “370 will never come back, and we can die for the same. We will oppose any resolution regarding this.”
Earlier, on the first day of the Legislative Assembly on Monday, PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para submitted a resolution seeking the restoration of Article 370 for Jammu and Kashmir.
“I have a resolution on behalf of my party that I wish to submit. The resolution calls for the restoration of Article 370,” Para said.
His proposal sparked a massive uproar in the house, with BJP MLAs urging the Speaker to dismiss the resolution immediately. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, attempting to calm tempers, responded, “This is my domain; let me examine this and decide on the resolution accordingly.”
As Wednesday’s Assembly session approaches, these issues are expected to come to the forefront, with both major parties maintaining their positions on autonomy, governance, and local development, setting the stage for an engaging debate.
