Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly passed a resolution demanding restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees besides working out a constitutional mechanism for restoring these provisions
On the third day of the Assembly session, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary brought a resolution seeking a dialogue between the Centre and the elected representatives for the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
“That this Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status of the constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and expresses concern over their unilateral move”, said the resolution.
The resolution called upon the Indian government to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir for restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and to work out a constitutional mechanism for restoring these provisions.
The Speaker put the resolution, seconded by senior National Conference leader Sakina Itoo, to vote. Amidst cacophony, it was passed by a majority with legislators from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone and Awami Itihad Party leader Sheikh Khursheed also voting in its favour.
The resolution, however, touched off a raucous response from the BJP legislators. They ripped up the bill and made a dash for the well to protest against the resolution.
The slogans like Jahan huwa bulidan Mukherji, wo Kashmir hamara hai filled the air for quite some time before the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather adjourned the session for the day.
Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma termed the resolution as unconstitutional. He said that the article 370 and 35A were abrogated by the Parliament and the decision was later upheld by the Supreme Court. “This Assembly is not above the Supreme Court or the Parliament”, Sharma said.
In Jammu, scores of BJP activists took to streets to protest against the government. The miffed activists burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Part of NC campaign
The restoration of Articles 370 and 35A was a major promise in the National Conference’s election manifesto with the party building its narrative around these constitutional provisions. On August 5, 2019 Union government read down the special constitutional position of Jammu and Kashmir and split the region into two Union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that it was part of their election campaign. “This resolution has strengthened the constitution and democracy of India”, said Choudhary.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti termed the resolution as a half-hearted effort by Omar Abdullah government. “The resolution does not mention opposition to the decision taken on August 5, nor does it call for the restoration of Article 370”, said Mehbooba.
She said that the resolution introduced by the PDP was better than it.
CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said that the House took a historic decision by passing the resolution. “On August 5, 2019, the Centre in a unilateral decision abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Today, the House had sought to correct that decision”, said Tarigami.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, on Wednesday, described the resolution on the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir moved by the National Conference (NC) in the legislative assembly as “half-hearted” and “lacking conviction”.
On the other hand, the NC claimed it had fulfilled another poll promise with the passing of the resolution in the Assembly.
Addressing media persons in Srinagar, Mehbooba said the resolution intended to call for the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, fell short in language and intent. “The language could have been better, this is a half-hearted attempt, and we are thinking of bringing amendments to the resolution,” she added.
She further said that while NC’s resolution did acknowledge concerns about the 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, it failed to explicitly condemn the decision, which she described as unconstitutional. She noted that instead of firmly calling for the complete restoration of Article 370, the resolution only suggested that dialogue be held on the matter. “Dialogue with whom? the representatives of the BJP who opposed the resolution even today, she asked.
The newly-appointed UT’s BJP chief Sat Sharma led a protest against the passing of the resolution outside the party office in Jammu while National Conference activists celebrated it.
Congress Legislature Party leader GA Mir said his party, through a resolution passed in the CWC on 5 August 2019, expressed support for the people’s opposition to the downgrading and bifurcation of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State.
The Congress Party has stressed the need for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir with constitutional guarantees, including the protection of rights, land, jobs, resources, and cultural identity, without further delay, he added.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) leader Sajad Lone expressed satisfaction after the Assembly passed the resolution against the actions taken on August 5, 2019.
Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra said his party was committed to fighting for statehood to J&K and safeguarding the rights of its people over land, jobs, natural resources and its unique cultural identity. After the verdict of the Supreme Court, it is the first democratic expression of the people of J&K reflecting the aspirations of the people.
“BJP’s opposition to the resolution makes it evident that their petty political interests are not only at loggerheads with the aspirations of the people of J&K but also their sole priority, no matter at what cost. It (the BJP) is not only disrespecting the overwhelming sentiment of the people of J&K but is actively hindering the process of restoration of constitutional and democratic rights, guarantees like that of cultural identity, land, jobs, and natural resources. They cannot claim to represent our people while acting against their rights,” he said.
“The resolution provides a much-needed opportunity for a meaningful engagement between New Delhi and the people of J&K in the backdrop of mistrust created by the acts of the BJP Government over the last several years,” he added.
