Fri Nov 08 05:13:23 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Descends into Chaos over Article 370

**Srinagar, India:** The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed intense clashes and adjournments on Thursday as debates over the controversial Article 370 and Article 35A reached a boiling point.

The session began with AIP MLA Khurshid Ahmad displaying a banner demanding the reinstatement of the revoked articles, sparking immediate outrage from BJP legislators who tore it down. This incident led to the Assembly being adjourned for 15 minutes.

Upon reconvening, tensions escalated further as BJP MLAs attempted to disrupt proceedings by demanding the reversal of a resolution supporting special status, passed the previous day. Three BJP MLAs, including R.S. Panthania, were forcibly removed from the House for their disruptive behavior.

Despite the interruptions, PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para presented a resolution, supported by six other MLAs, condemning the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A and calling for their immediate restoration. The resolution also urged the reversal of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, which revoked the special status.

While PDP and People’s Conference (PC) leaders expressed their support for the resolution, they criticized the National Conference’s (NC) earlier resolution as “weak” and alleged its alignment with BJP.

BJP remained steadfast in its opposition to any discussion regarding Article 370, asserting that the previous resolution was unconstitutional. LoP Sunil Sharma urged Omar Abdullah, NC leader, to re-examine the Indian Constitution, stating that Article 370 was temporary.

The chaotic proceedings highlight the deep divisions within the Assembly regarding J&K’s special status and regional identity. With the session concluding tomorrow, the Assembly has largely been consumed by political drama, neglecting critical issues affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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