Sat Nov 09 03:44:19 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Descends into Chaos Over Article 370 Resolution
**Srinagar, India** – The first session of the Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) assembly since 2019 descended into chaos and scuffles on Thursday as lawmakers clashed over a resolution demanding the restoration of Article 370, the region’s special status, revoked in 2019.
The resolution, passed on Wednesday, called on the Indian government to engage in dialogue with elected representatives to reinstate the pre-2019 status. This sparked outrage from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which opposed the resolution and staged protests throughout the session.
The assembly witnessed a cacophony of slogans, torn posters, and physical altercations. BJP lawmakers shouted “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” (Hail Mother India) and “Take back the resolution,” while National Conference (NC) legislators countered with “Jis Kashmir ko khoon se seencha wo kashmir hamara hai” (The Kashmir that we watered with our blood is ours) and “Jammu Kashmir ki awaaz kia? 370 aur kya” (What does J&K want? Article 370).
The situation escalated when independent lawmaker Sheikh Khursheed, brother of jailed MP Engineer Rashid, displayed a banner demanding the restoration of Article 370 and the release of political prisoners. BJP lawmakers seized the banner, triggering a scuffle with NC and other opposition legislators.
The speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, was forced to adjourn the session multiple times amid the uproar. He eventually ordered the eviction of four BJP MLAs for disrupting proceedings, further escalating the tension.
The incident highlights the deep divisions over the emotive issue of Article 370, which remains a contentious point in J&K politics. While the NC-led coalition and other regional parties advocate for its restoration, the BJP maintains its revocation was a necessary step towards integrating J&K into India.
The BJP has condemned the resolution as “unconstitutional” and a ploy to mislead the Kashmiri people. The NC, on the other hand, insists that the resolution reflects the will of the people and their desire to strengthen India.
The turmoil in the J&K assembly underscores the ongoing political and social complexities surrounding Article 370 and the future of the region.
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