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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was thrown into chaos for a fourth consecutive day as BJP members protested against a resolution on special status, prompting the Speaker to expel 12 opposition MLAs and Langate representative Sheikh Khurshid.
As the day’s session began, BJP lawmakers shouted slogans such as “Pakistani agenda will not prevail” and rushed to the well of the House. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather ordered their removal, and soon after, 11 other BJP members exited in protest.
The Assembly has been in turmoil since the resolution was approved. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary introduced the resolution on Tuesday, reaffirming the significance of special status for the region and advocating for talks with national leaders to restore constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir.
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The resolution also emphasized that any approach to restoration must balance national integrity with the people’s aspirations.
On Thursday, the Assembly was adjourned after a scuffle erupted between BJP legislators and marshals who attempted to remove members opposing the resolution. Six BJP MLAs were eventually escorted out, but not without resistance from the opposition.
At today’s session, Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma denounced the resolution as “unconstitutional,” demanding its retraction. He accused the ruling National Conference (NC) of betraying the people of Kashmir, which provoked a strong reaction from the ruling side. Amid the disruption, Awami Ittehad Party’s Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh entered the well of the House with a banner reading “Restore Article 370 and 35-A” and “Free political detainees,” further heightening tensions.
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BJP members attempted to seize the banner, tearing it to pieces, leading to a heated scuffle. The Speaker briefly adjourned the House. Amidst the fray, Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Lone intervened to defend his political adversary Khurshid Ahmad from the BJP members. Both Lone and BJP MLA Mohan Lal sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Following the break, BJP members resumed their protest, engaging in loud exchanges with the ruling party. “The National Conference should end this charade of special status,” Sharma shouted, sparking additional outrage.
The Speaker repeatedly called for order, urging members to respect the House proceedings. “This is not a market; I urge you all to maintain decorum,” he cautioned. However, the BJP’s protest persisted, leading the Speaker to order the removal of members who had entered the well. Six BJP MLAs, including representatives from Akhnoor, Udhampur East, Bahu, Ramnagar, Billawar, and Jammu West, were escorted out amid applause from ruling party lawmakers.
