J&K Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking Restoration Of Special Status, BJP Opposes The Move

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday (6 November) passed a resolution for the restoration of the its special status, calling upon the “Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives” of the Union Territory to work out “constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions”, even as the BJP protested the move.

The resolution said that the Assembly “reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral removal”.

It further added that “any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”, Indian Express reported.

During the session on Wednesday, National Conference leader and J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced the resolution, which was opposed by Sunil Sharma, the BJP's opposition leader, saying it was against the rules and was not a part of the House business.

This led to a ruckus in the House with BJP legislators opposing the resolution, and all other members, cutting across party lines – barring the Congress – supporting it.

The Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, Tariq Karra and Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, remained silent.

As discussion on the resolution was hindered by BJP members, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather warned that he would put the resolution to vote.

The BJP continued to protest and both sides raised slogans in favour and against the resolution.

Subsequently, the Speaker called for a voice vote on the resolution, which passed.

Following the vote, BJP members jumped into the Well after which the Speaker adjourned the House.

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