Special status resolution generates debate in J&K

Srinagar, Nov 8: Omar Abdullah-led government bringing a resolution to seek restoration of J&K’s special status, which was abrogated by the Centre on August 5, 2019, has led to a flurry of discussions and debates within the assembly and outside the house.

All Kashmir-based political parties supported the resolution which was moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary earlier this week. The Assembly passed it by a voice vote.

However, during the past two days, the People's Conference (PC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) have made amendments and presented a resolution that they claim is a “people's resolution” to seek Article 370 and Article 35-A back. These parties are insisting that the resolution prepared by them should be passed by the house.

Since the day the resolution was passed, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have been opposing the government's move. They are demanding that the resolution to seek J&K’s special status back should be withdrawn.

The BJP leaders were marshalled out of the assembly on Thursday and today they held a parallel proceeding outside the assembly complex.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during his address in the Legislative Assembly on Friday said, “The resolution has ignited important conversations among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This resolution has brought life to the people who are now speaking.”

The Chief Minister asserted that his government moving the resolution to seek J&K’s special status back has led to stimulating a public response on a key political issue.

“Everyone seems to be discussing J&K’s special status,” said an observer.

“During the past five years not many people were seen talking about J&K’s special status as no one wanted to give any statement that could have led to him ending up in trouble,” he added.

Senior BJP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Kavinder Gupta while talking to Greater Kashmir acknowledged that the resolution has generated a debate but he was quick to add, “The Chief Minister has accepted that Article 370 will never come back. He is hoping that some government will come to the Centre and talk about it. Even the Congress has maintained silence over the issue.”

Another BJP leader said, “Not many people in J&K are interested in the special status. It has become a history. The resolution moved by the NC government was nothing more than a publicity stunt.”