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The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a tumultuous scene on Wednesday as it passed a resolution seeking dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives for the restoration of special status for the erstwhile state. The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, was met with fierce opposition from the BJP members, who disrupted the proceedings with chants and protests, highlighting the deep political divide surrounding the issue of Article 370 and the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP members, incensed by the passage of the resolution, stormed the well of the House, tearing copies of the document and raising slogans against the speaker and the National Conference (NC) government. Their chants, including 'Jai Shri Ram', 'August 5 Zindabad', 'Vande Mataram', and 'Anti-national Agenda Nahi Chalega', echoed through the Assembly chamber, signifying their staunch opposition to the resolution and the NC's approach. They accused the speaker of bias, alleging that he had colluded with the NC to draft the resolution and steer the proceedings in their favour.
The resolution, passed through a voice vote amidst the chaos, 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 expresses concern over the unilateral revocation of these provisions by the Centre in August 2019, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions and continues to be a subject of debate and legal challenges. The resolution calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees. It emphasizes that any process for restoration should safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The events in the Assembly highlight the complex political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, where the issue of Article 370 remains a major point of contention. The BJP, which supports the abrogation of Article 370, sees the resolution as an attempt to undermine the Centre's decision and revive separatist tendencies. The NC, on the other hand, believes that dialogue and consensus are crucial for addressing the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The passage of the resolution, despite the disruptions and protests, suggests that the debate over the restoration of special status is far from over. It remains to be seen how the Centre will respond to the resolution and whether it is willing to engage in dialogue with the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir.
Source: 'Jai Shri Ram' chants echo in J-K Assembly amid ruckus over resolution to restore special status