Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Heated exchanges broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution seeking the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, with a reference to the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile Assembly in 2000 triggering objections from BJP members.
The resolution calls for the “immediate and urgent” restoration of full statehood and refers to resolutions passed by the House on June 26, 2000, and November 6, 2024. It also proposes forwarding the resolution to the Government of India.
The mention of the 2000 autonomy resolution drew strong objections from BJP legislators, who questioned its inclusion in a resolution focused on restoration of statehood. BJP members raised slogans including “Desh Virodhi Nahi Chalegi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” during the noisy exchanges.
National Conference members defended the reference, maintaining that the party would continue to pursue what it considers the rights of Jammu and Kashmir. NC legislators responded with the slogan, “Jis Kashmir ko khoon se seencha, woh Kashmir hamara hai.”
The 2000 resolution had sought greater autonomy for the then State of Jammu and Kashmir and was subsequently discussed in Parliament. The issue has remained part of the National Conference’s political agenda, with the party including implementation of the autonomy resolution among its commitments in its 2024 Assembly election manifesto.
The November 6, 2024 resolution passed by the present Assembly had called for dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives over restoration of the erstwhile State’s special status.
The latest resolution comes amid the National Conference-led government’s continued demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The issue has also featured prominently in the ongoing Assembly session.
