The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution calling for the restoration of Article 370, which grants special status to the region.
The resolution was introduced by Surinder Singh Choudhary, the Deputy Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) leader. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rathore sought the opinion of the assembly members before the resolution was passed.
The move comes as a direct challenge to the abrogation of Article 370 by the Indian government in 2019, which had revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special autonomy. While the resolution was supported by the majority of the members, BJP lawmakers vehemently opposed it, citing concerns about the unity and integrity of India.
Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi slammed the BJP, stating, "The BJP does not represent Jammu, and the majority of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is in favor of this resolution. We must now carry this struggle forward."
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary expressed confidence, saying, "We have shown our stance, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir also want this. This is what the youth of Jammu have asked for."
In a show of solidarity, the leader of the People’s Democratic Party, Mehbooba Mufti, thanked Sajad Lone and all independent MLAs for supporting the resolution against the revocation of Kashmir's special status. She remarked, "Today, I thank Sajad Lone and all independent MLAs for standing with us in this critical battle."
Following the passage of the resolution, people across Jammu and Kashmir have been celebrating the move, viewing it as a step towards the restoration of their rights and autonomy. Local residents expressed their hope that the resolution would lead to tangible political change, calling it a moment of great importance for the region.
The passing of this resolution has sent shockwaves through Indian politics, sparking debates in the corridors of power. Political analysts believe that this move is a strong rebuke to the Modi administration's Hindutva ideology, especially in the context of the ongoing struggle for the region’s rights. Many view it as a bold statement by the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, signaling a persistent demand for the restoration of its constitutional rights.
This political shift in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly could have far-reaching implications, potentially reigniting discussions around the constitutional status of the region and the future of Article 370.
