'Jai Shri Ram', anti-Pakistan slogans echo in J-K assembly amid ruckus over resolution to restore special status

NEW DELHI: The Jammu and Kashmir assembly witnessed uproar and disruption on Wednesday following the passage of a resolution urging dialogue between the central government and elected representatives to reinstate the region's special status.


BJP members reacted strongly, storming the well of the House, tearing copies of the resolution, and raising slogans against the speaker and the ruling National Conference (NC) government. The House was adjourned for the day due to the commotion.

BJP members chanted slogans like "August 5 Zindabad", "Jai Shri Ram", "Vande Mataram", "Anti-national Agenda Nahi Chalega", "Anti-Jammu Agenda Nahi Chalega", "Pakistani Agenda Nahin Chalega" and "Speaker Hai Hai".


Accusing the speaker of bias, leader of the opposition, Sunil Sharma, stated, "We have reports that you (speaker) called a meeting of ministers yesterday and drafted the resolution yourself."

Another BJP MLA, Sham Lal Sharma, alleged the resolution was prepared "in collusion with the speaker in a guest house".

He further argued that the 2019 Assembly election results, where BJP secured 26% votes compared to NC's 23%, indicated public support for the abrogation of Article 370.

The resolution, passed earlier through voice vote amidst the BJP's protests, called for the restoration of J&K's special status, revoked by the Center on August 5, 2019.

It emphasized the importance of dialogue and safeguarding national unity alongside the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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