Dy CM moves resolution, Sakina seconds motion; LoP Sharma, BJP leaders oppose, Two Independent MLAs, PDP Legislators, Sajad Lone support resolution; House adjourned for 15 minutes
TDD Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): In a significant political development, J&K Assembly that met in Srinagar on the third day today, passed the crucial resolution seeking restoration of Article 370.
The move evoked strong criticism from the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma and other BJP leaders who called it as “cheating by the government” citing when business was listed for discussion on LG’s address, how all of a sudden, a resolution was moved by the government.
Soon after the Assembly met, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on behalf of the government, moved a resolution that read: “This Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expresses concern over the unilateral removal.”
The resolution further read that This assembly calls upon the Government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of people of J&K for restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and to work out the constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.”
It also read that this Assembly emphasises that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of J&K. The motion was seconded by senior NC leader and Health Minister Sakina Itoo.
BJP leader and LoP Sunil Sharma and other BJP leaders questioned the change in the business and termed it as an “anti-national move.”
“When business was about discussion on LG’s address, how resolution,” he said. Independent MLAs Sheikh Khursheed and Shabir Kullay, PC chief Sajad Lone supported the resolution. Three PDP legislators.
The Speaker Abdur Rahim Rather put the resolution to vote which was passed with the majority. The BJP continued the protests in the house forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House for 15 minutes. On August 5, 2019, Centre had rolled back the J&K special status and sliced the erstwhile state into two UTs—J&K and Ladakh. NC in its manifesto had promised to fight for the restoration of Statehood and special status. On the first day of the Assembly, PDP MLA had submitted the resolution seeking restoration of special status. However, that wasn’t accepted by the Speaker—(TDD)