PDP, People’s Conference MLAs introduce new resolution in JK Assembly – ThePrint –

Srinagar, Nov 7 (PTI) A group of MLAs, including from the PDP and the People’s Conference, on Thursday introduced a new resolution in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly demanding immediate restoration of Articles 370 and 35A in their original form.

They also called for a reversal of all changes made to the Union territory after the former state was stripped of its special status in 2019.

Article 35A gave special rights to permanent residents of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution came a day after the assembly passed a resolution moved by the ruling National Conference (NC) asking the Center to frame a constitutional mechanism to restore the special status of the erstwhile state and hold a dialogue with elected representatives on the issue.

The new resolution was presented to Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Thursday amid uproar in the House of Representatives.

The resolution was introduced by PDP members Waheed Para (Pulwama MLA) and Fayaz Mir (Kupwara MLA), People’s Conference MLA from Handwara Sajjada Lone, Awami Ittehad Party MLA from Langate Sheikh Khursheed (brother of MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid), and independent MLA from Shopian Shabir Kullai.

“The House strongly condemns the unconstitutional and unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019 by the Government of India,” the resolution said.

“These actions have deprived Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and statehood, undermining the fundamental guarantees and protections originally granted to the region and its people by the Indian Constitution,” the resolution said.

It also states that “this House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unamended form and calls for the repeal of all changes brought about by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.”

“We also call on the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic integrity of Jammu and Kashmir by restoring all special provisions and guarantees aimed at preserving its identity, culture and political autonomy,” the resolution added.

While the NDP and PC on Wednesday welcomed and supported the NC resolution, they said the language in it should have been stronger.

Speaking to reporters after the House adjourned for the day on Thursday, Para said the NC and the BJP were “playing a fixed match”.

“They (NC) have submitted a vague resolution and the BJP chief is praising it. We want the abrogation of Article 370 to be condemned and the restoration of (Articles) 370 and 35A (in the resolution) to be mentioned. This is what we have included in the resolution and this is what the people of Jammu and Kashmir want,” he said.

The pair said the new resolution was presented to the speaker of the meeting. PTI SSB MIJ DV DV

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