SRINAGAR — High political drama enveloped the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly as the house passed a resolution demanding the immediate return of statehood, overriding aggressive opposition protests and an eventual floor walkout by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members.
The motion, introduced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, asserts that statehood restoration is an intrinsic right belonging to the people of the region, sparking sharp exchanges over central government policy and historical autonomy resolutions.
Key House Proceedings & Political Clashes
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Resolution Adoption: The motion passed amidst intense commotion, with opposition members storming the well, tearing copies of the resolution, and demanding the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.
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Security Intervention: Following chaotic scenes that included attempts to hurl microphones across the floor, assembly marshals removed two protesting BJP members before the rest of the party staged a walkout.
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Autonomy Debate: Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma attacked the inclusion of references to the 2000 autonomy resolution—which sought pre-1953 constitutional arrangements—alleging that the government was deliberately stalling statehood progress.
Executive Defense & Central Position
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Demand for Timelines: Addressing the assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah questioned the Centre’s indefinite delay, arguing that conditioning statehood on the complete cessation of terrorism inappropriately hinges domestic constitutional rights on external security factors.
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Focus on Regional Identity: Abdullah stressed that the resolution transcends political parties, serving as a non-negotiable step to restore the constitutional dignity and institutional identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
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Centre’s Stance: Opposing the motion’s framing, BJP leadership reiterated that the Union Government remains committed to granting statehood at an appropriate juncture, while firmly rejecting any pre-1953 autonomy mechanisms.
