Ruckus in J&K Assembly as Awami Ittehad Party Demands Resolution on Article 370
Srinagar, November 8, 2024 — Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today as Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, along with five other MLAs, demanded the introduction of a resolution concerning Article 370. Sheikh expressed dissatisfaction with the current resolution tabled by the National Conference (NC), noting its lack of any mention of Articles 370 and 35A, which previously provided special status to the region.
“Six MLAs, including Sajad sahib and Waheed sahib, demanded a resolution on Article 370,” Sheikh said. “It is our right to demand that this resolution is tabled. However, during the debate, Sajad sahib and Fayaz sahib were physically assaulted by some BJP members. When I tried to intervene, I was marshalled out.”
The situation escalated, resulting in heated exchanges and disruption of proceedings. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather addressed the Assembly after the commotion, asserting that “the House functioned properly today,” and that some members had “tried to take the law into their hands.”
The Speaker adjourned the House until 2:30 pm, assuring members that they would have an opportunity to voice their concerns upon resumption. “Special status is part of Article 370,” he remarked, indicating the Assembly’s sensitivity to the demands for the reinstatement of J&K’s special provisions.
As debates over Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy and special status continue, today’s events underscore the deep political divide within the Assembly regarding the restoration of Article 370.
