Thu Nov 07 22:57:57 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Descends into Chaos Over Article 370, Raising Questions About Political Motives

**Srinagar, November 7, 2024:** The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a chaotic session on Thursday as debates over the revoked Article 370, which once granted special status to the state, escalated into physical confrontations.

Legislators from the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), known rivals who have occasionally aligned on the issue of Article 370, reignited the debate despite the fact that its restoration is highly unlikely. Both parties attempted to pass resolutions urging the central government to reinstate the provision, but these were met with opposition from the BJP, ultimately failing to progress.

The session quickly devolved into a “fish market” as NC and PDP members, including Khursheed Ahmed Sheikh, displayed large banners demanding Article 370’s restoration, sparking angry responses from BJP members. One BJP MLA tore Sheikh’s banner, leading to a physical confrontation that involved shoving and shouting.

While the Assembly Speaker repeatedly appealed for calm, his pleas were largely ignored. Observers noted a visible smile on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s face during the tumult, fueling speculation about the political motives behind the commotion.

“This isn’t about Article 370,” said one BJP spokesperson. “It’s about a fight for relevance in the Assembly, where the legislators are using the people’s Assembly for their own credit war.”

Political analysts agree that Article 370 has become a symbolic issue in J&K, with its former significance largely a thing of the past. They believe that the NC and PDP are attempting to appeal to specific groups within the region by stirring debate around the issue.

The chaotic session raises questions about the true intentions of the NC and PDP, particularly in light of their history of using Article 370 for political gain. It remains to be seen whether these events will have any lasting impact on the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

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