A heated confrontation erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday, centering on the contentious issue of Article 370, which granted the region special autonomy until it was revoked by the Central government on August 5, 2019. Tensions reached a breaking point when Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh displayed a banner supporting the restoration of Article 370, igniting protests and physical altercations among legislators. The assembly proceedings were temporarily halted as members engaged in a scuffle, reflecting the deep-rooted divisions and ongoing contention around Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy.
Banner Display Triggers Scuffle
The discord began when Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, an MLA from the Langate constituency, showcased a banner advocating for the restoration of Article 370. BJP MLA Sunil Sharma, who also serves as the Leader of Opposition, vocally objected to the banner, viewing it as a provocation. Tensions quickly escalated, leading members from opposing sides to rush into the well of the House. A physical confrontation ensued, with BJP members attempting to seize and tear down the banner, prompting assembly marshals to intervene to separate the fighting MLAs.
Speaker Temporarily Adjourns Session
In an attempt to restore order, the Speaker adjourned the session briefly, hoping to defuse the heated environment. However, the disruption continued to resonate within the assembly, as BJP members accused the Speaker of favouring the AIP legislator. After a short pause, the session resumed, only to be adjourned again until the following day due to unresolved tensions.
Previous Day’s Chaos Over Article 370 Resolution
The altercation followed a similar uproar on Wednesday, when Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary presented a resolution advocating for the restoration of Article 370. This resolution, backed by local parties such as the National Conference (NC) and AIP, was met with fierce opposition from BJP legislators, who tore copies of the document and voiced strong objections. Assembly marshals were compelled to restrain some MLAs, and despite the chaos, the Speaker eventually passed the resolution, sending it for further review by the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary.
Reactions to the Incident
Reacting to the ongoing disorder, BJP state chief Ravinder Raina condemned parties like the NC and Congress, accusing them of promoting “anti-India sentiments.” Raina alleged that the Congress was aligning with Pakistan, a claim he used to underscore the BJP’s firm stance against reinstating Article 370. For many, the incident highlighted the polarization in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape, with valley-based parties celebrating the resolution’s passage, while BJP leaders demanded its repeal.
Conclusion
The physical altercations in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly this week underscore the intense and polarized views surrounding the status of Article 370. The Assembly’s sessions have become a focal point for ongoing debates about regional autonomy, reflecting broader tensions over Jammu and Kashmir’s identity and governance structure. With discussions set to continue, the Assembly remains a battleground for opposing perspectives, symbolizing the complex and unresolved issues that persist since the region’s reorganization in 2019.
(With inputs from agencies)
