Sajad Lone Defends Fellow MLA as House Scuffle Over Article 370 Heats Up in J&K Assembly

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a dramatic standoff today as legislators clashed over the resolution seeking the restoration of J&K’s special status under Article 370. A controversial poster sparked altercations, bringing together unlikely allies and intensifying the debate over J&K’s autonomy.

Tensions in the House:​
BJP MLAs protested the resolution, while Sheikh Khurshid, an MLA from Langate, displayed a banner demanding the return of Article 370 and Article 35A. Sajad Lone, a prominent People’s Conference leader, stepped in as BJP members attempted to tear down the banner, leading to a heated scuffle.

Sajad Lone’s Stand as a Kashmiri:​
Outside the House, Lone criticized the National Conference (NC) for not supporting Khurshid, emphasizing that he felt a duty to intervene as a fellow Kashmiri. He questioned NC’s commitment to the cause, despite their vocal support for the resolution.

Backdrop to the Resolution:​
This controversy follows the recent election victory of the NC-Congress alliance. The demand for J&K’s restored autonomy has become a cornerstone issue, supported by Lone’s People’s Conference and other parties, while BJP opposes it firmly. NC’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that the Assembly has taken an essential step by passing the resolution, with calls for dialogue with the central government.

Growing National Attention:​
In Delhi, BJP leaders like Smriti Irani criticized the INDIA alliance for “disregarding” the Constitution. The BJP continues to press for the withdrawal of the resolution, even staging street protests against it.

Conclusion:

The unfolding events highlight the enduring and complex issue of J&K’s autonomy, as leaders like Sajad Lone aim to bridge divides amid escalating tensions. The resolution has clearly sparked fresh confrontations and intensified the political discourse surrounding Article 370.

Refrence From: www.ndtv.com