Jammu and Kashmir Assembly: Heated exchange between PDP and National Conference MLAs on special status proposal

Jammu and Kashmir: There was a heated argument in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Friday between PDP MLAs and National Conference members over the resolution passed in the House demanding restoration of special status to the erstwhile state.

PDP MLA from Pulwama Waheed Para said his party supports the resolution brought by the ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday but wants to ensure that people outside do not get the impression that there is any compromise in it.

He said, “The responsibility of acceptance and tolerance lies on the majority. We are seeing the erosion of our legacy, the legacy of (NC founder) Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah. Our concern is that this is a historic session. “People should not feel that there is any compromise or betrayal in this.” It is noteworthy that Para had to protest against the Speaker of the Assembly to take time to speak on the motion of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor's address.

Speaking on the motion of thanks in the House, Para also took exception to some NC members saying “derogatory” things about PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed. “He called Jamaat-e-Islami members traitors and spoke ill of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,” Para said. If we talk about betrayal, it was started by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. He was the first person to compromise.”

The ruling party protested after the PDP leader's comments. There has been uproar in the House for the last two days as BJP MLAs protested strongly after the motion was passed. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved the resolution on Wednesday which said: “This Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees that have protected the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and that they should not be unilaterally Expresses concern over removal.”

It said that the Assembly calls on the Center to initiate dialogue with the elected representatives of the region for the restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees of Jammu and Kashmir and to prepare a constitutional mechanism for this. “This Assembly emphasizes that any process of restoration must protect both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” it said.