J&K Assembly Turns Chaotic As MLAs Exchange Blows Over PDP Leader’s Article 370 Banner

Fri Nov 08 09:00:41 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Plunged into Chaos as BJP and Opposition Clash over Article 370

**Srinagar, November 8, 2024:** The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a dramatic escalation of tensions on Friday, with a heated exchange between BJP MLAs and opposition members over the restoration of Article 370. The conflict, which erupted on back-to-back days, saw shouting matches, physical altercations, and the use of force by Assembly marshals.

The crux of the dispute lies in the display of a banner by a PDP MLA demanding the reinstatement of Article 370, the former constitutional provision that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The banner sparked immediate outrage from BJP MLAs, who responded with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and a physical confrontation with the PDP member holding the banner.

The situation escalated further on Friday, leading to a chaotic scene where MLAs jumped benches, exchanged blows, and were ultimately forced to be removed from the Assembly by marshals acting on the orders of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.

Leader of the Opposition, Sunil Sharma, condemned the events as the “darkest day in J&K’s democracy.” He accused the Speaker of bias, claiming he was acting as a mouthpiece for the National Conference, rather than upholding the integrity of the Assembly.

Sharma further emphasized that the Assembly holds more authority than the Parliament or the Supreme Court, which had upheld the Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370. He declared that the BJP MLAs would run a parallel assembly outside the House to protest against the Speaker’s actions.

This latest escalation follows a resolution passed on Wednesday by the Assembly, seeking dialogue for the restoration of special status to the UT. The resolution, supported by all parties except the BJP, highlighted the importance of Article 370 in safeguarding the identity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents.

The situation remains tense, with the BJP and the opposition vehemently disagreeing on the issue of Article 370 and the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The Assembly’s ability to function effectively amidst these escalating tensions remains uncertain.