Srinagar, 08 November 2024: Ruckus erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the third consecutive day on Friday as BJP members launched a fierce protest against a resolution reaffirming the region’s special status.
The situation escalated, leading Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to order the removal of 12 opposition MLAs, including Langate’s Sheikh Khurshid, from the House.
As the session commenced, BJP legislators voiced their dissent, shouting slogans such as “Pakistani agenda nahi chalega.”
The protest intensified when BJP members rushed to the well of the House, prompting Speaker Rather to instruct marshals to escort them out.
Following the expulsion, 11 additional BJP MLAs exited the chamber in a show of solidarity.
The Assembly had been in turmoil for two days, driven by the BJP’s strong opposition to the resolution. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary had introduced the resolution on Tuesday, declaring,
“This Legislative Assembly reaffirms the significance of special status and constitutional guarantees that protect the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The resolution urged the central government to engage in dialogue with elected representatives from the region to restore the state’s special status and its constitutional safeguards. It also called for the development of mechanisms to uphold these guarantees.
“This Assembly calls for any restoration process to ensure national unity while respecting the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” the resolution stated.
