SRINAGAR: The first legislation introduced by the NC-led government in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly sparked protests from the Kashmir-based opposition, with Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone accusing the government of endorsing JK’s Union Territory (UT) status.
As Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services (Amendment) Act, 2025, in the House, Lone stood up and objected to the bill. “This would be an endorsement of Jammu Kashmir’s conversion into a UT. I will not be part of this sin,” he said before walking out in protest.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para also voiced reservations over the bill.
The amendments proposed by the NC-led government in the GST law include replacing the term “Government of Jammu & Kashmir” with “Government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.”
After Lone’s exit, Omar Abdullah said, “It is a reality that Jammu and Kashmir is a Union Territory.”
Despite opposition, the bill was passed by voice vote, with NC, Congress, and their allies supporting it. (KNO)
