J&K Assembly passes resolution demanding full statehood

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the assembly today witnessed heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, with BJP MLAs objecting to references to the erstwhile state’s status before August 5, 2019.

jammu kashmir assemblyAs Congress legislator Nizam-ud-din Bhat speaks on the amendment he has brought in Omar's resolution, BJP legislators surround him raising slogans against Congress party. (Source: Express Photo)

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday passed a resolution demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory.

The resolution was passed amid a walkout by BJP MLAs.

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the assembly today witnessed heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, with BJP MLAs objecting to references to the erstwhile state’s status before August 5, 2019.

The resolution was taken up for discussion amid 10 amendments moved by legislators. Eight of these amendments seek to broaden its scope to include the restoration of the special status Jammu and Kashmir held before August 2019.

What happened in the House today

BJP legislators raised “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Speaker sahib, kursi chodo, kursi chodo” (Speaker sahib, leave the chair) slogans and entered the well of the House, demanding that Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather step down from the chair.

The BJP said 23 legislators had signed a motion against the Speaker and insisted that it be taken up and put to vote before other business. Rather said he had not seen the motion and cited the relevant rules of procedure. He said that even if a written notice of a motion against the Speaker was submitted, it could be included in the House’s business only on a date not earlier than 14 days from the notice.

What all Bills were proposed in the House by CM today

Omar Abdullah introduced 5 bills in the Assembly, including legislation seeking amendments to the salaries and allowances of ministers and legislators, and measures aimed at promoting ease of doing business in Jammu and Kashmir.

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Three of the bills seek amendments to the Jammu and Kashmir Ministers’ and Ministers of State Salaries Act, 1956, the Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Act, 1960, and the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature Members’ Pension Act, 1984.

Abdullah also introduced a bill aimed at consolidating and amending existing laws to shift from permission-based controls to rule-based governance. The proposed legislation seeks to provide greater certainty to citizens and businesses, promote ease of doing business and ease of living, attract investment, generate employment and support long-term economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister further introduced a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.

Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies. Expertise Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics. Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers: Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state. Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights. Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More

Bashaarat Masood is a Special Correspondent with The Indian Express. He has been covering Jammu and Kashmir, especially the conflict-ridden Kashmir valley, for two decades. Bashaarat joined The Indian Express after completing his Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University in Kashmir. He has been writing on politics, conflict and development. Bashaarat was awarded with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in 2012 for his stories on the Pathribal fake encounter. Expertise and Experience Two Decades of Frontline Reporting: Bashaarat has spent 20 years documenting the evolution of Kashmir, from high-intensity conflict and political shifts to socio-economic development. Award-Winning Investigative Journalism: He is a recipient of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2012). This honor was bestowed for his reporting on the Pathribal fake encounter, a series of stories that highlighted his ability to handle sensitive human rights and security issues with investigative rigor. Specialized Beats: His authoritative coverage spans: Political Transitions: Tracking the shift from statehood to Union Territory, electoral dynamics, and the pulse of local governance. Security & Conflict: Providing nuanced reporting on counter-insurgency, civil liberties, and the impact of the conflict on the civilian population. Development: Documenting the infrastructure, healthcare, and educational landscape within the Valley. Academic Background: He holds a Masters in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, providing him with a localized academic and professional foundation that is rare in regional reporting. ... Read More

 

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