BJP MLAs walkout of J&K House amid uproar over 1931 ‘martyrs’

This prompted Sharma’s remark on the 1931 “martyrs”.

Both holidays were scrapped by the LG-led administration after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 and replaced with September 23, Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday, and October 26, the day the Maharaja signed the Instrument of Accession in 1947.

Para described July 13 protests as “not communal’’ but a “significant moment’’ in democratic history of J&K, adding that “it was a day of resistance against monarchy and lives were sacrificed for that cause’’. “Unless the lives lost on July 13 are acknowledged and the holiday is restored, the BJP will not be able to do justice to the people of J&K,” he said.

He also criticized the BJP for turning J&K into a “glorified municipality” and said the speech of the LG is talking more of “BJP’s agenda” rather than reflecting the people’s aspirations and sentiments, and the election promises of NC.

After Para finished, LoP Sharma cited Maharaja Hari Singh’s contributions and said that anything spoken against him will not be tolerated. “I can feel the pain of Para after his party’s performance (in Assembly elections). You are enjoying the state of Maharaja (Hari Singh)…,” he said, triggering protests from Treasury Benches led by NC, PDP and several independent members, demanding that he retract his remarks.

Para asked why they did not shed tears when civilians were killed in police action to quell violence in Kashmir during both the NC and PDP dispensations.

Amid protests from both the Treasury and Opposition benches, the Speaker expunged “derogatory remarks” by Sharma, prompting all 28 BJP MLA to walk out of the Assembly.

Later, People’s Conference leader and MLA Sajad Gani Lone urged the Assembly to pass a resolution seeking restoration of public holidays for both the Martyrs’ Day and the birth anniversary of Sheikh Abdullah.

Talking to reporters outside the House, Sharma described the July 13 protest as a “revolt’’ against the then J&K state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh and the protestors as “traitors’’. “The Maharaja was a justice loving king and anyone who rose up in rebellion is a traitor and we are proud of him. Why are they not shedding tears for those killed in their rule in 2010 and 2016.”

Para also defended his speech and told reporters outside the House, “July 13 is not the day against Jammu or anyone. This is the day to celebrate democracy and the democratic awakening of the people of J&K. It should be respected in that spirit and the way it was respected in the last seven decades.”

With PTI inputs