SRINAGAR, SEPT 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution calling upon the Government of India for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, amid heated exchanges and protests by BJP legislators.
The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and seeks that the House’s demand be formally forwarded to the Government of India. It also refers to resolutions passed by the Assembly on June 26, 2000, and November 6, 2024.
The discussion witnessed sharp exchanges between the treasury benches and the BJP opposition, with BJP members objecting particularly to references to the earlier autonomy resolution.
BJP legislators maintained that they support restoration of full statehood but opposed linking the demand with issues relating to the erstwhile constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said the BJP was in favour of statehood but objected to the wording and references contained in the resolution.
He questioned the inclusion of the 2000 autonomy resolution, which had sought restoration of greater autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP’s objections led to protests and sloganeering inside the House. BJP legislators entered the Well of the House during the proceedings, while the ruling benches defended the resolution and the demand for restoration of statehood. Reports also said BJP members subsequently walked out as the resolution was taken up for passage.
The resolution was ultimately passed by the House and is to be forwarded to the Government of India.
The passage followed several days of political exchanges over the wording of the resolution since it was introduced by the Chief Minister on September 25.
The Assembly completed the listed business for the day and was subsequently adjourned. The House is scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday.
