Special session of J&K LA today in Jammu

Jammu, Apr 27: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will meet tomorrow for its one-day special session, summoned in the backdrop of dastardly killings of civilians by terrorists in Pahalgam, in Jammu at 10:30 am.

Officially speaking, the list of business for the special session will be the ìobituary reference.î

ìSpeaker Abdul Rahim Rather will make a reference to the tragic incident of the terrorist attack on innocent tourists at Baisaran Pahalgam on April 22, 2025,î read a single-line list of business released by the J&K Assembly Secretariat on Sunday.

Notably, a day after the attack - on April 23, 2025, the Council of Ministers, under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, had advised the Lieutenant Governor to summon the special session of the Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir on April 28, 2025, at Jammu at 10:30 am.

Following it, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on April 25 had summoned the special session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly at Jammu on April 28, 2025, at 10:30 am, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him under section 18(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.

Accordingly, in terms of Rule 3 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the Secretary J&K Legislative Assembly Secretariat, through a summon, had requested all the Members (MLAs) to ìattend the Session of the Legislative Assembly on the appointed date, time and place.î

As per the sources, the obituary reference will give a solemn opportunity to the Members of the House to place on record their anguish, grief and condemnation over the reprehensible act of terror; share solidarity with the victims and express resolve for J&Kís unity against the act challenging Kashmiriyat and the very idea of India.

ìAs all parties will be able to place their views while deliberating different aspects of the incident, developments unfolding and situation evolving thereafter, it will be an epoch-making moment for the House and thus for entire J&K to speak in one voice against terrorism and convey a strong message to the entire world, particularly those who want to exploit Kashmir and Kashmiris for their nefarious designs,î they said. ìThere may be differences of opinion during deliberations yet the resolution against terrorism will be unanimous, rest assured.î

On April 9, the maiden over month-long Budget session of J&K in Union Territory set up was adjourned sine die by the Legislative Assembly Speaker Rather.

BJP HOLDS MEET TO DISCUSS ‘SOCIO-POLITICAL, SECURITY ISSUES’

Meanwhile, in a related development, the J&K Bharatiya Janata Party on the eve of the special session held a crucial meeting where J&K party president Sat Sharma; Leader of Opposition in J&K Legislative assembly, Sunil Sharma; BJP national secretary Narinder Singh and MLAs discussed the ìcurrent socio-political and security situation in the Union Territory.î

It is anticipated that the party may face certain prickly questions, during the special session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, regarding security lapses from the opposition members, particularly Congress, during obituary references.

However, the party (BJP) in its official release, following the crucial meeting of its all MLAs, said that the BJP leaders paid ìtribute to the brave civilians who lost their lives in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.î

The leaders observed a moment of silence and prayed for the peace of the departed souls, extending their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, it was stated.

ìDuring the meeting, the BJP leaders discussed the current socio-political and security situation prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir. They acknowledged the need for collective efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region while ensuring that the safety and welfare of the citizens remain the top priority,î the official release read.

BJP leaders, univocally condemning the heinous crime on humanity, said that the tragic attack, which took place in the picturesque town of Pahalgam, sent shockwaves across the nation, with innocent lives falling victim to targeted killings, it said.

Sat Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, condemned the cowardly act of terrorism and emphasised the BJP's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

ìHe prompted the party leaders to continue to work in close collaboration with security agencies and the government to ensure that such incidents do not disrupt the peace and harmony while teaching a tough lesson to the terrorists, their sympathisers, and their bosses,î the official statement mentioned.

Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma expressed his deep anguish over the loss of innocent lives and reiterated the need for strengthened security measures to tackle terrorism and protect the common people.

He also emphasised the importance of unity among all political and social factions to address the prevailing security challenges effectively.

He asked his fellow MLAs to strongly push the government to plug all sources of aid for the terrorists.

The BJP leaders pledged to continue their fight against terrorism, ensuring that the region moves forward on the path of development and prosperity, free from fear and violence, the statement mentioned.