NC, PDP Spar Over Article 370: A Detailed Account of the Inaugural Session
Srinagar: The inaugural session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday morning was marked by chaos and heated exchanges, primarily centered around the contentious issue of Article 370. The session saw the introduction of a surprise resolution by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker Waheed Parra, calling for the restoration of J&K’s special status, which led to a ruckus in the Assembly.
The Incident
The commotion began when PDP’s Waheed Parra introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 and calling for the restoration of J&K’s special status. This move was met with immediate and vehement opposition from BJP members, who argued that the resolution violated Assembly rules and demanded that Parra’s remarks be expunged. The Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, intervened, requesting patience from BJP members while he reviewed the document.
The Reactions
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah intervened, describing Parra’s resolution as a publicity stunt and stating that a more comprehensive resolution would be introduced in due course. Abdullah emphasized that the Assembly reflects the sentiments of the people of J&K and that the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, had no public approval. He urged the Speaker to adjourn the Assembly, leading to noisy exchanges between members of NC, PDP, Sajad Lone’s Peoples Conference, and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).
Who Is Right?
Determining who is right or wrong in this situation is complex and subjective. The PDP’s move to introduce the resolution can be seen as an attempt to advocate for the restoration of J&K’s special status, reflecting the sentiments of a significant portion of the population. However, the BJP’s opposition to the resolution is based on procedural grounds and their stance on the abrogation of Article 370.
Omar Abdullah’s intervention, calling the resolution a publicity stunt, suggests that the NC believes in a more structured approach to addressing the issue. The Speaker’s role in trying to maintain order and review the document highlights the procedural challenges in such a contentious debate.
Conclusion
The ruckus in the Assembly’s first session underscores the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the issue of Article 370. While the PDP’s resolution reflects the aspirations of many in J&K, the BJP’s opposition and the NC’s call for a more comprehensive approach illustrate the complexities of navigating this contentious issue. Ultimately, the resolution of such matters will require careful deliberation, respect for procedural norms, and a genuine effort to address the concerns of all stakeholders.
