IIOJK Assembly’s first day marred by uproar over statehood demand
NC lawmakers raise slogans for restoration as BJP members protest
Srinagar: The first day of the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly session was marred by uproar today as ruling National Conference (NC) lawmakers raised slogans demanding restoration of statehood, while Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) members staged a counter-protest.
NC legislators, including Ali Muhammad Sagar, raised slogans for restoration of occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood soon after the session began at 10am. Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said two years had passed since the elected government assumed office, yet statehood had not been restored.
The demand triggered protests from BJP lawmakers, who stood up with placards and raised slogans including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly asked opposition members to raise their issues when given the opportunity and urged lawmakers to utilise the session to discuss matters concerning the public.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary criticised the BJP members’ conduct, saying that if they wanted to raise public issues, they should put questions to the government, which would provide answers through the concerned ministers.
The disruptions came amid the ruling NC’s continued demand for restoration of the status of Jammu and Kashmir that was withdrawn by the Indian government in August 2019, when it also divided the erstwhile state into two union territories.
The NC-led government has repeatedly called for restoration of statehood, while the demand has remained a major political issue in the territory since the 2019 changes.
The Assembly session was adjourned till tomorrow as it is expected to witness further debate after resumption over statehood.
