JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal | Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a heated uproar on Tuesday over the issues of Articles 370, 35A, and the restoration of statehood. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected the amendment proposals moved by People’s Conference Chairman Sajjad Gani Lone to the motion of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, citing rules, leading to a tense atmosphere in the House.
Sajjad Gani Lone stated in the House that the Lieutenant Governor’s address did not mention important issues such as the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood. He had proposed amendments to the motion of thanks regarding this. However, the Speaker, citing Assembly rules, refused to accept both amendments.
After the Question Hour ended, as the discussion on the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address was about to begin, Sajjad Gani Lone strongly objected to the rejection of his proposals. Addressing the House, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather clarified that Assembly rules do not permit re-discussion of matters already discussed in the House.
The Speaker also stated that issues related to Articles 370, 35A, and special status have already been discussed in the House, and therefore, amendment proposals on these issues cannot be accepted. He also clarified that restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is not within the Assembly’s jurisdiction, as this subject falls under the purview of the central government.
Responding to this, Sajjad Gani Lone stated that his intention was not to enact any law, but to record the sentiment of the House. He said, “We only wanted to record that the sentiment of this House is that Jammu and Kashmir should be restored to its statehood.”
During the entire incident, the House witnessed heated debate and uproar for some time. This development once again highlights that the issue of Article 370 and restoration of statehood remains at the centre of Jammu and Kashmir politics even today.
