Srinagar, Sept 28: A sharp exchange erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday over the language of the resolution seeking restoration of statehood, with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma terming some of its wording “unacceptable” and alleging that it was contrary to the Constitution of India.
Sharma said the BJP was also committed to the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir but objected to the language used in the resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
“Restoration of statehood is the agenda of the BJP. But the way language has been used in the resolution moved in the Assembly is against the Constitution of India,” Sharma said.
He said the words used in the resolution were unacceptable and argued that discussions in the House should focus on positive development within the framework of the Constitution.
Referring to the autonomy resolution passed by the Assembly in 2000, Sharma said it had been “thrown in the dustbin” when Omar Abdullah was serving as a Union minister in a BJP-led government at the Centre.
The remarks came as Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather attempted to proceed with Question Hour, triggering noisy scenes in the House.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary hit back at the BJP, questioning its argument that the border situation should be a reason to delay the restoration of statehood.
“Not only J&K, but half of India is living along the border. So, under the guise of the border, should we stop demanding statehood?” Choudhary said.
He also reminded the BJP that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had promised the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, and questioned why it had not been done so far.
Choudhary’s remarks triggered further uproar, with BJP members storming into the Well of the House as slogans were raised.
The confrontation came ahead of the scheduled discussion on the statehood resolution, which has emerged as a major point of contention between the ruling National Conference and the BJP during the ongoing Assembly session.
