A tense atmosphere erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly when Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, a Member of the Legislative Assembly from Langate and brother of detained MP Engineer Rashid, displayed a banner calling for the reinstatement of Article 370. The banner read, “We demand the restoration of Article 370 and 35A. Release of political prisoners,” igniting heated exchanges and even physical confrontations among members.
MLA Displays Banner on Article 370
Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, affiliated with the Awami Ittehad Party, held up the banner in the assembly as a protest against the government’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A. These articles had previously granted special status and privileges to Jammu and Kashmir but were abrogated in August 2019. Sheikh’s display was aimed at drawing attention to the demand for the articles’ restoration, as well as the release of political prisoners detained following the revocation.
Heated Exchange and Physical Clashes in the Assembly
Upon unfurling the banner, Sheikh’s actions triggered objections from Sunil Sharma, the Leader of the Opposition and a senior leader from the BJP. As Sheikh moved into the well of the House—a section in front of the Speaker’s desk—security marshals were dispatched to intervene. The Speaker also instructed Sheikh to return to his seat, but Sheikh stood firm, holding up the banner defiantly. This led to an intense altercation, with BJP leaders attempting to seize the banner from him, culminating in a physical clash.
Intervention from Other Members and Call for Order
In response to the escalating conflict, Waheed Para, an MLA from Pulwama representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), stepped in to mediate and assist Sheikh, attempting to de-escalate the situation. However, the ruckus highlighted the deep divisions within the assembly over the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy and special status.
Resolution Condemning Article 370 Abrogation
Amid the uproar, opposition leaders from various parties, including the People’s Conference led by Sajad Lone, passed a resolution condemning the central government’s actions. The resolution criticized what it termed the “unconstitutional and unilateral” decision to revoke Article 370 and enact the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This legislation not only stripped the region of its special status but also downgraded it from statehood to a union territory. The resolution declared that these actions disregarded the original constitutional provisions that protected Jammu and Kashmir’s distinct identity.
Demands for Restoration and Protection of J&K’s Autonomy
The resolution called for an immediate reversal of the changes brought about by the Reorganisation Act and insisted on the full reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A. The assembly members emphasized that restoring these provisions was essential to honouring Jammu and Kashmir’s unique cultural and political identity. Additionally, the opposition urged the Government of India to recognize and uphold the democratic and constitutional commitments initially granted to the region, aiming to restore both its statehood and autonomy.
In this call to action, the opposition members underscored their commitment to defending the distinct identity, rights, and governance of Jammu and Kashmir, rallying the assembly’s support for the restoration of its prior constitutional status.
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