Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has become a scene of high tensions and fiery debates, as the contentious issue of Article 370 continues to stir up intense opposition. For a second consecutive day, clashes erupted among MLAs, with a chaotic scuffle breaking out that required intervention from marshals. Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Ahmed Sheikh was escorted out after displaying a banner calling for the restoration of Article 370, a move that has polarized the Assembly and sparked widespread protest among BJP members.
On Thursday, MLA Sheikh, who is also the brother of Engineer Rashid, unfurled a similar banner demanding the reinstatement of Article 370, igniting loud objections and sharp criticism from BJP MLAs. Today, the same banner appeared once again, triggering an immediate uproar as members clashed and traded heated words. BJP MLAs voiced strong objections, accusing the opposition of undermining national interests by pushing for the restoration of the region’s former special status. With slogans ringing throughout the chamber, BJP members called for the Speaker to take a strict stance against such proposals.
Assembly Turns into a Battleground Over Proposals for Special Status Restoration
The atmosphere in the Assembly has grown increasingly combative as both Article 370 and Article 35A remain central points of contention. Amid the chaos today, marshals had to remove MLA Khurshid Sheikh from the chamber when he became entangled in a physical altercation with other members. The removal was met with further outcry, with Sheikh stumbling during the process. Undeterred, BJP MLAs continued their vigorous protests, holding up placards and chanting slogans against the Speaker’s handling of the situation, accusing the opposition of stoking regional discord.
Restoration of Article 370: National Conference’s Proposal Sparks Strong Resistance
On Wednesday, a proposal by the National Conference (NC) leader called on the central government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by reactivating Article 370. The proposal advocated for engaging elected representatives in talks with the central government, aiming to address long-standing concerns and restore certain autonomous privileges. However, BJP leaders reacted sharply, firmly rejecting the proposal and characterizing it as divisive and counterproductive to regional unity.
The ongoing clashes highlight the deep-seated divisions over Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy, with each faction standing resolute on its stance. As discussions and disruptions continue, the Assembly appears set for further confrontations in the days to come, with no resolution in sight for the contentious Article 370 debate.
