Uproar in J&K Assembly After PDP MLA Waheed Para Moves Resolution Opposing Abrogation of Article 370

Srinagar: Tensions ran high in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday as PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and calling for the restoration of special status to the union territory. The move sparked an immediate response, particularly from BJP legislators who voiced strong objections.

The resolution, proposed by the Pulwama MLA, came soon after National Conference (NC) leader Abdul Rahim Rather was elected as the first Speaker of the legislative assembly for the union territory. "Keeping the sentiments of the people of J&K in mind, this House opposes the revocation of the special status (of Jammu and Kashmir)," Para declared, as he introduced the resolution.

PDP Supremo Mehbooba Mufti lauded the PDP leader for introducing the resolution in the assembly. "Proud of Waheed Parra for introducing resolution in JK Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370 and resolve to restore the special status God bless you," Mehbooba Mufti wrote in a post on X.

In response, BJP MLAs rose in unison, with Sham Lal Sharma demanding Para’s suspension, citing a breach of assembly procedures. Rather attempted to restore order, requesting that the protesting members return to their seats, but his calls went unheeded. Rather clarified that he had yet to receive the resolution formally and assured that he would examine it upon receipt.

Reacting to the development, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned Para’s actions, asserting that such resolutions cannot be unilaterally introduced. "No single member can take a decision on the issue of Article 370. Resolutions cannot be introduced like this. This is nothing but politics," he stated, urging the Speaker to adjourn the House.

Abdullah further criticised the resolution and said, "We knew that preparation for this was being made by a member... The reality is that the people of J&K do not approve of the decision taken on 5th August 2019. If they had approved, then the results today would have been different. How the House will reflect and discuss this will not be decided by any one member. The resolution brought today has no importance but it is only for the cameras."

The chaos intensified as NC MLA Shabir Kullay entered the well of the House, voicing displeasure at the BJP members' disruption of the proceedings. The abrogation of Article 370, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, was implemented by the Centre on August 5, 2019, and remains a contentious issue in the region.

The first session of the new assembly will conclude on November 8. Besides the L-G's address, there will be obituary references for former legislators who passed away since the last session of the erstwhile J-K Assembly on November 5. In the last Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election, the Congress -National Conference alliance won 49 seats out of 90. The BJP won 29 seats in the election. The Assembly election was held after a gap of 10 years and since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. NC leader Omar Abdullah was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on September 16.