It is a fixed match between NC, BJP: Sajad
Srinagar: A fresh resolution has been submitted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, demanding the full restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A to their original form.
The resolution was moved jointly by MLA Sajad Gani Lone of Handwara, PDP MLAs, and Sheikh Khursheed, an MLA from the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), in response to what they described as a “weak and vague” initial resolution introduced by the National Conference (NC) yesterday.
The newly submitted resolution takes a strong stand, condemning what it calls the “unconstitutional and unilateral” abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019. The legislators contend that the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, which restructured the state into two Union Territories.
The resolution states: “This House strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, along with the enactment of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, by the Government of India. These actions stripped Jammu & 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. 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 & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.”
The resolution further urges the central government to honor Jammu & Kashmir’s “distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy” and calls for the reinstatement of all special provisions and guarantees.
Sajad Lone, representing the People’s Conference, described the new resolution as a “necessary and uncompromising” call to defend Jammu and Kashmir’s historical rights and statehood.
He criticized the previous resolution for lacking clarity and strength, emphasizing that this fresh proposal leaves “no room for ambiguity.”
People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone, joined by PDP MLAs and AIP MLA Sheikh Khursheed, called for a clear and unconditional resolution in Assembly condemning the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A.
Lone criticized an earlier resolution introduced by the National Conference (NC) as “weak and vague,” urging the Assembly to pass a stronger resolution that unequivocally rejects the 2019 Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
Lone’s remarks come as the Assembly debates the region’s special status for the first time since the 2019 revocation.
He argued that the resolution should fully condemn the actions of August 5, 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its autonomy and statehood. “We demand the immediate rollback of Article 370, the restoration of statehood, and the complete nullification of the reorganisation act,” Lone stated.
He added that the people of Jammu and Kashmir deserved an Assembly willing to stand firmly against what he termed the “humiliation” of the 2019 changes.
Criticizing both NC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Lone accused the two parties of orchestrating a “fixed match” to dilute the discussion on Article 370, suggesting that their actions served mutual interests rather than those of the people. “When BJP creates a ruckus, NC follows; if NC shouts, BJP responds. This is a coordinated effort to distract from a real resolution,” Lone alleged.
Lone called upon the NC to support his proposed resolution or bring forth a similarly strong version, stressing that the Assembly should have “no room for ambiguity” on the matter. He urged people to rally on social media, supporting what he termed the “people’s resolution,” to build momentum for a unified stand on restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. (KNS)