Video: Ruckus in J&K Assembly over Article 370 banner
What's the story
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in Srinagar was adjourned briefly on Thursday after a ruckus erupted over the display of a banner supporting Article 370. The incident happened when Engineer Rashid's brother, MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, unveiled the banner, prompting Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to object. The incident follows a similar disruption on Wednesday when Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary introduced a resolution for the restoration of Article 370, which faced fierce opposition.
Ongoing debates
Article 370 controversy dominates J&K Assembly discussions
The controversy over Article 370 has dominated discussions since the assembly's first session on Monday. People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para first moved a resolution to restore J&K's special status and statehood, in line with his party's opposition to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected Para's resolution as "symbolic," implying it was more for show than real intention.
Twitter Post
Ruckus, heated exchange of words ensued during the session
#WATCH | Srinagar: Ruckus and heated exchange of words ensued at J&K Assembly after Engineer Rashid's brother & Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh displayed a banner on the restoration of Article 370. BJP MLAs objected to the banner display.
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2024
(Earlier visuals) pic.twitter.com/VQ9nD7pHTy
Resolution passed
Assembly passes resolution amid uproar over Article 370
On Wednesday, despite the uproar, the assembly passed a resolution urging dialogue with elected representatives to restore J&K's special status. Proposed by Deputy CM Choudhary, the resolution emphasized balancing national unity with local aspirations. BJP members opposed it, arguing it wasn't on the agenda. Amid heated exchanges, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather called for a voice vote, passing the resolution. CM Abdullah hailed the passage of the resolution, saying "The assembly has done its job. I will only say this much."