A scuffle broke out in the J&K Assembly between MLAs after an independent legislator Sheikh Khursheed demanded the restoration of Article 370 and the release of all political prisoners. Khursheed, the brother of MP Engineer Rashid, angered BJP legislators when he stepped into the Well of the House with a banner calling for the restoration of the region’s special status.
However, BJP legislators stormed in and tried to take away the banner. Several MLAs, including Sajad Lone and Waheed Para, jumped in to support Khursheed. As such, Speaker Abdul Rahim had three MLAs marshaled out. He adjourned the House, but the BJP members continued to protest.
Rahim requested the protesting legislators to take their seats, but they did not heed. The Speaker cautioned the opposition members that they were not above the rules. Sunil Sharma, a BJP MLA and Leader of the Opposition called for the National Conference’s drama of special status to end.
Satish Sharma, a minister, accused the BJP of playing divide and rule. He said Bharat mata (India) belonged to all. Sharma alleged that the BJP members stood on the table with the Constitution of India on it and called for their punishment.
Also Read: J&K Assembly Holds First Session In Six Years, Ruckus Over Article 370 Scrapping
J&K Demands Restoration of Article 370
The latest ruckus in the J&K Assembly comes after the House passed a resolution on Wednesday seeking the restoration of Article 370, which was abrogated in August 2019. The resolution highlighted that the legislative assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees that safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
It called upon the government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of the people of J&K for the restoration of the special status and constitutional guarantees.
