Jammu & Kashmir Assembly: Another Day, Another Fight Over Article 376
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaos on Friday as well as MLAs engaged in a brawl over a resolution to restore the region's special status.
A massive fight broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Friday morning as well over the resolution for the restoration of the erstwhile state's special status. On the third day, MLAs raised slogans and counter-slogans. Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid's (Rashid Engineer) brother and MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh was marshalled out of the House. Several BJP MLAs were also marshalled out of the house.
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was adjourned for the day on Thursday following a brawl between the BJP MLAs and marshals, as the opposition members protested against a resolution for the restoration of the erstwhile state's special status for the second consecutive day. Two MLAs allegedly suffered injuries during the brawl on Thursday.
VIDEO | Ruckus in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly continues for the third day as MLAs raise slogans. Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid's (Rashid Engineer) brother and MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh marshalled out of the House.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 8, 2024
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was adjourned for the day on… pic.twitter.com/gegTukcta5
All the members of the assembly were present in the assembly on Friday. The BJP members arrived wearing tricolour neckbands.
On Wednesday the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution advocating the reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A, which previously granted special autonomy to the region. The resolution was introduced by Omar Abdullah's National Conference (NC) and was backed by the PDP, the Left, and others.
The BJP opposed the resolution as "unlawful" and demanded its immediate withdrawal. However, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather dismissed this objection, clarifying that only the Assembly, not the Speaker alone, had the power to overturn any approved resolution.
During an address by BJP's Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, on Thursday Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader Sheikh Khursheed entered the Assembly with a banner advocating for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A. In response, BJP members seized and tore the banner, sparking a scuffle in which People's Conference MLA Sajad Lone showed support for Khursheed. This incident led to a 15-minute adjournment.
#WATCH | Srinagar | BJP MLAs raise slogans of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' in Jammu & Kashmir Assembly as ruckus erupts in the House after PDP MLA from Kupwara shows a banner on the restoration of Article 370 pic.twitter.com/zXC1rldxnV
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2024
When the session resumed, BJP representatives continued their protest despite the Speaker’s appeals for order. "Do not compel me to take measures I would rather avoid," the Speaker cautioned. J&K MLAs were seen climbing on top of the tables and exchange blows even on Friday.
Members of the BJP women's wing later protested in Jammu against NC and Congress for bringing the resolution
VIDEO | Members of BJP women's wing protest in Jammu against NC, Congress criticising the parties for bringing a resolution in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for restoration of Article 370.#JammuAndKashmirAssembly #Article370
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 8, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos -… pic.twitter.com/AJ7byoX92q