In an intense session of the newly-elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370 led to a major clash between members on Thursday. The controversy erupted when Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh of the Awami Ittehad Party, and brother of Engineer Rashid, displayed a banner supporting Article 370. The banner’s display infuriated BJP members, leading to a verbal confrontation and scuffles in the assembly. Sunil Sharma, Leader of the Opposition and BJP MLA, along with other party members, objected to Sheikh’s actions, arguing that the banner’s display was disruptive and provocative.
#WATCH | Srinagar: Ruckus breaks out at J&K assembly over a resolution on the restoration of Article 370.
— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2024
Deputy CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary had demanded the resolution, LoP Sunil Sharma had objected to it. pic.twitter.com/2W5q12old0
To restore order, the Speaker intervened, directing marshals to escort out any members crossing decorum limits. Despite these efforts, the opposition continued its objections. Earlier, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) introduced a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370 and 35A, which were abrogated in 2019, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and statehood. The resolution, supported by PDP and other opposition members, condemns the revocation as “unconstitutional and unilateral.”
Jai Shri Ram slogans in #JammuAndKashmr Assembly https://t.co/ys12mFLrgA pic.twitter.com/s1r5bhOyMl
— Rakesh Kumar (@RiCkY_847) November 6, 2024
This is not the first instance of uproar in the assembly over Article 370. On the session’s opening day, PDP leader Waheed Para, representing Pulwama, introduced a similar resolution, echoing demands from his party’s manifesto, which promises to restore the region’s autonomy.
BJP members continued their protest by staging a sit-in at the center of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly pic.twitter.com/8Dh6TbV2r6
— Rakesh Kumar (@RiCkY_847) November 6, 2024
The ongoing tension reflects the deep divide over Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. While opposition parties like PDP and the National Conference advocate for the return of Article 370, the BJP remains firm in its stance, viewing the abrogation as an integration measure. The session, which concludes on November 8, is expected to continue grappling with this contentious issue amidst obituary references and the Lieutenant Governor’s address.
This fierce debate highlights the enduring political divide in Jammu and Kashmir as local leaders and parties fight to redefine the region’s future within the Indian Union.
