Fri Nov 08 08:45:27 UTC 2024: ## Kashmir Assembly erupts in chaos as BJP MLAs react angrily to demand for Article 370 restoration
**SRINAGAR, JAMMU AND KASHMIR** – The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a heated exchange on Thursday after Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Shaikh displayed a placard demanding the restoration of Article 370, sparking outrage among BJP MLAs.
The incident, which was widely captured by media outlets, saw heated arguments and near-physical altercations between members of different political parties. The demand for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A, revoked by the central government in 2019, has been a recurring point of tension in the Assembly.
The current situation arises from the PDP’s attempt to introduce a resolution demanding the restoration of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP, staunchly opposing the resolution, accused the PDP, National Conference, and Congress of colluding with “anti-national forces” and “terrorists.”
The two-day debate has highlighted the delicate political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Omar Abdullah-led government navigating a path to address the aspirations of the Kashmiri people while also avoiding any potential confrontation with the central government.
The controversy ignited when Shaikh, brother of prominent leader Engineer Rashid, held up the placard calling for the restoration of Article 370, sparking a flurry of reactions from BJP MLAs. The BJP members, who have consistently opposed any talk of restoring the special status, deemed the act as a provocation, leading to the chaotic situation.
While the resolution itself did not directly mention Article 370, its call for the restoration of “special status” was enough to trigger the ire of the BJP. The ruling party members see this as a deliberate attempt to revive the issue, which they have repeatedly claimed is a closed chapter.
The PDP, however, criticized the government’s approach, accusing them of being “cowardly” in their handling of the issue. They argued that the resolution was merely a reflection of the public sentiment in Jammu and Kashmir and that the government should engage in a dialogue with the newly elected representatives of the people to address their concerns.
The situation has further strained the already fragile political climate in the region. The BJP’s hard stance on the issue and the government’s cautious approach have raised concerns over potential escalation in the coming days. It remains to be seen how the government will handle the situation, as the demand for the restoration of Article 370 continues to resonate with a significant portion of the Kashmiri populace.
First Piper 