Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Erupts in Chaos: PDP Legislator's Resolution Opposing Article 370's Abrogation Sparks Heated Debate
In a dramatic turn of events, a resolution introduced by People's Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra opposing the abrogation of Article 370 in the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly sent shockwaves throughout the House. The move by Parra, a member of the PDP, triggered a ruckus in the Assembly, with BJP legislators vehemently opposing the resolution and seeking its immediate discard.
The contentious resolution, which was tabled by Parra, sought to express the J&K Assembly's opposition to the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370, a constitutional provision that granted special status to the state. The resolution also called for the restoration of Article 370, which was repealed in August 2019 by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre.
The move by Parra was seen as a bold step by the PDP, which has been a vocal critic of the BJP's decision to abrogate Article 370. The PDP has consistently argued that the move was unconstitutional and undermined the state's special status, which was guarganted to it under the Indian Constitution.
However, the BJP legislators in the Assembly were quick to respond, with many of them expressing outrage over the resolution. They accused the PDP of "playing politics" and "trying to create unrest" in the state. The BJP legislators demanded that the resolution be withdrawn immediately, arguing that it was "anti-national" and "against the interests of the people of J&K."
As the debate began, the Assembly descended into chaos, with members from both sides engaging in heated exchanges. The Speaker of the Assembly struggled to maintain order, with several BJP legislators storming the well of the House to protest against the resolution.
The opposition to the resolution was led by the BJP, with many of its legislators accusing the PDP of trying to "revive separatism" in the state. They argued that the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 was aimed at integrating J&K with the rest of India and promoting development and prosperity in the state.
PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra defended his resolution, arguing that it was aimed at upholding the state's constitution and protecting its special status. He accused the BJP of trying to "undermine" the state's autonomy and "destroy" its cultural identity.
"The Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370 was a betrayal of the trust of the people of J&K," Parra said. "We will not let this happened. We will fight for our rights and for the rights of our people."
The resolution was supported by other Opposition parties in the Assembly, including the National Conference and the Congress. The National Conference, which has been a vocal critic of theCentre's decision to abrogate Article 370, accused the BJP of trying to "punish" the state for its political dissent.
"The BJP wants to create a new J&K, a J&K that is aligned with its own ideology and interests," said a National Conference legislator. "But we will not let this happen. We will fight to protect our state and its people."
As the debate continued, the Assembly remained in a state of pandemonium, with members from both sides refusing to back down. Finally, the Speaker adjourned the House until the next day, when the debate is likely to continue.
The controversy surrounding the resolution has once again highlighted the deep divisions within J&K politics. While the BJP sees the abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards integrating the state with the rest of India, many Kashmiris see it as a threat to their cultural identity and autonomy.
As the debate rages on, the people of J&K remain uncertain about their future. While some see the abrogation of Article 370 as a step towards economic development and prosperity, others fear that it will lead to further instability and unrest in the state.
In the end, it remains to be seen whether the PDP's resolution will achieve its objective of opposing the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370. However, one thing is certain - the debate has opened up old wounds and once again highlighted the deep divisions within J&K politics.
What is Article 370?
Article 370 was a constitutional provision that granted special status to J&K. It was enacted in 1954 and remained in place until its repeal in August 2019. Under Article 370, the J&K Assembly had the power to make laws for the state, except in matters related to defence, foreign affairs, and communications.
Article 370 also gave the state a separate constitution and a separate flag. The provision also gave the state's governor the power to override the J&K Assembly and impose emergency rule in the state.
Why was Article 370 repealed?
The BJP-led government at the Centre repealed Article 370 under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The Act bifurcated the state into two Union Territories - J&K and Ladakh.
The Centre argued that the repeal of Article 370 was aimed at integrating J&K with the rest of India and promoting economic development and prosperity in the state. The government also claimed that the provision had created a sense of separatism and encouraged terrorism in the state.
Impact of Article 370's repeal
The repeal of Article 370 has had far-reaching implications for J&K. The move has led to widespread protests and demonstrations across the state, with many Kashmiris expressing fears about their future and their cultural identity.
The repeal of Article 370 has also led to a clampdown on dissent in the state, with many Opposition politicians and activists being detained and arrested.
As the debate over Article 370 continues, the people of J&K remain uncertain about their future. The move has opened up old wounds and once again highlighted the deep divisions within J&K politics.
Conclusion
The introduction of the resolution opposing Article 370's abrogation in the J&K Assembly has once again highlighted the deep divisions within J&K politics. While the BJP sees the repeal of Article 370 as a step towards integrating the state with the rest of India, many Kashmiris see it as a threat to their cultural identity and autonomy.
As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen whether the PDP's resolution will achieve its objective of opposing the Centre's decision to abrogate Article 370. However, one thing is certain - the controversy surrounding Article 370 has once again highlighted the complex and contentious nature of J&K politics.
