PDP, Peoples’ Conference MLAs submit fresh resolution in J-K Assembly

A new resolution calling for the immediate reinstatement of Articles 370 and 35A in their original form was filed to the Jammu and Kashmir legislature on Thursday by a group of MLAs, including those from the PDP and the Peoples’ Conference. After the former state lost its special status in 2019, they demanded that all modifications made to the Union territory be undone. The Modi administration divided the former state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh after repealing Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status in 2019.

The permanent inhabitants of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir were granted special rights under Article 35A.The resolution was passed by the assembly the day after the ruling National Conference (NC) introduced a resolution requesting that the Center develop a constitutional mechanism for restoring the former state’s special status and engage in discussions with elected officials on the matter. Amid commotion in the House, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather received the new resolution on Thursday.

Awami Ittehad Party MLA from Langate Sheikh Khursheed (brother of MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid), Peoples’ Conference MLA from Handwara Sajad Lone, PDP members Waheed Para (MLA Pulwama) and Fayaz Mir (MLA Kupwara), and independent MLA from Shopian Shabir Kullay all submitted the resolution.

“This House strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India,” the resolution read. “These actions stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and statehood, undermining the foundational guarantees and protections originally accorded to the region and its people by the Constitution of India,” the resolution read.

It also said “this House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unaltered form, and calls for the reversal of all changes introduced by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019″.”We further urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu and Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions and guarantees intended to preserve its distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy,” the resolution added.

While the PDP and PC on Wednesday welcomed and supported the NC’s resolution, they said the wordings in that should have been stronger. Speaking to reporters after the House was adjourned for the day on Thursday, Para said the NC and the BJP were “playing a fixed match”. “They (NC) bring a vague resolution and BJP chief spokesperson praises it. We want that abrogation of Article 370 be condemned and restoration of (Articles) 370 and 35A be mentioned (in the resolution). This is what we have put in the resolution and this is what people of Jammu and Kashmir want,” he said.