Fri Nov 08 00:38:07 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Descends into Chaos Over Article 370: “Credit War” or Genuine Concern?
**Srinagar, November 7, 2024:** The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed a chaotic session on Thursday, marked by disruptions, heated exchanges, and even physical altercations. The uproar was sparked by the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) demanding the reinstatement of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir until its abrogation in 2019.
Despite widespread understanding that the return of Article 370 is highly unlikely, NC and PDP legislators displayed banners demanding its restoration, chanting slogans, and even resorting to physical confrontation with BJP members. One BJP MLA reportedly tore a banner held by NC legislator Khursheed Ahmed Sheikh, leading to a chaotic scene that observers likened to a “fish market.”
Both NC and PDP attempted to pass resolutions urging the central government to reinstate Article 370, but these were met with strong opposition from the BJP. While the Assembly continued to wrestle over the symbolic gesture, the session descended into utter pandemonium.
The incident has raised questions about the political motivations behind the commotion. While the NC and PDP argue that they are representing the concerns of certain groups within the region who hold the issue close, BJP spokesperson have dismissed the actions as a “credit war” aimed at gaining relevance within the Assembly.
Political analysts note that Article 370 has taken on a symbolic role in J&K, with its former significance largely lost. The Assembly’s opposition believes that the NC and PDP are deliberately stirring debate around Article 370 to appeal to specific constituencies in the region.
With the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seemingly enjoying the commotion, the J&K Assembly’s chaotic session over Article 370 highlights the ongoing political tensions and the strategic use of symbolic issues in the region.
First Piper 