The conflict started on Wednesday when the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) tabled a fresh resolution calling for the restoration of special status.
A controversial resolution calling for the quick reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir's special status caused a commotion in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the third day in a row. The session was characterized by physical altercations, yelling contests, and a BJP walkout after a number of party members plunged into the house's well and eventually gathered outside.The conflict started on Wednesday when the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) tabled a fresh resolution calling for the restoration of special status. Criticizing the resolution as "illegal," the BJP called for its withdrawal. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather denied this request, stating that the House itself had the power to revoke any resolution that was passed, not the Speaker.
The conflict started on Wednesday when the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) tabled a fresh resolution calling for the reintroduction of Articles 370 and 35A. Criticizing the resolution as "illegal," the BJP called for its withdrawal. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather denied this request, stating that the House itself had the power to revoke any resolution that was passed, not the Speaker.
The leader of the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), Sheikh Khursheed, arrived in the assembly with a banner calling for the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A when BJP Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma was speaking. People's Conference MLA Sajad Lone backed Mr. Khursheed during a brief altercation as BJP lawmakers swiftly stepped in and grabbed and tore the banner. The House was adjourned for 15 minutes after this.
The Speaker called for order, but BJP MPs persisted in their protest when it resumed. He cautioned, "Do not force me to take actions I do not wish to take," as BJP members continued to sing slogans in honor of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. In response, NC members chanted about the great sacrifices done for the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaker Rather's decision to remove a number of BJP members who were protesting led to a violent altercation with assembly marshals, further escalating tensions. Treasury bench members cheered the action as three BJP MLAs were eventually hauled away.
Minister Satish Sharma denounced the BJP's conduct and accused them of employing divisive tactics in a scathing speech. Mr. Sharma demanded disciplinary action against the BJP MLAs, claiming that they had "disrespected the Constitution" by reportedly stepping on it during their protest.
MLAs from the PDP, People's Conference, and AIP united to present a new resolution condemning the repeal of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019. PDP MLAs Waheed Para and Fayaz Mir, along with People's Conference MLA Sajad Lone, led the latest motion, which called the revocation "unconstitutional" and a "breach of foundational guarantees" that were initially given to Jammu and Kashmir. In a different statement, Mr. Lone said that the NC's original resolution was insufficient in denouncing the abrogation and accused the party of engaging in a "fixed match" with the BJP.
While maintaining that the repeal of Article 370 was a settled issue, BJP MLA RS Pathania characterized the regional parties' actions as an effort to "compromise the integrity" of the Assembly.
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