SRINAGAR: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker Waheed ur Rehman Para moved a resolution in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir assembly opposing the abrogation of Article 370, calling for the restoration of the territory’s special status.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the resolution, introduced by the Pulwama representative, faced immediate backlash from BJP members, who protested the move. Para’s resolution coincided with the election of National Conference leader Abdul Rahim Rather as the Assembly’s first Speaker. Praising Para’s stance, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti commended him for advocating on behalf of Kashmir’s distinct status. Puppet Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the resolution, emphasising that decisions on Article 370 cannot be made unilaterally by any individual member. “This is purely political,” he stated, urging the Speaker to adjourn the session amid rising tensions.
BJP legislators, led by Sham Lal Sharma, called for Para’s suspension, while NC MLA Shabir Kullay criticised the BJP’s disruption. The first session of the assembly is set to conclude on November 8.