Jammu, Mar 4: Tensions flared in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday as Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma criticized the call for discussions on Article 370, labeling it “foolishness.”
Sharma asserted that Article 370 is a matter of the past that should be recognized as such, stating that continuing to discuss it is misleading.
His comments came in response to J&K Peoples Conference Chief Sajad Gani Lone, who proposed amendments concerning Article 370, the Public Safety Act (PSA), the 1987 elections, and police verification procedures.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather dismissed Lone’s amendments, referencing procedural rules. “According to Rule 187, discussions on Article 370 cannot occur within a year of a resolution addressing the same issue,” Rather explained.
He further noted that the 1987 elections are a historical topic and not eligible for debate. Regarding PSA and police verification, he stated that these issues fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and are off the table until statehood is restored.
In protest, Lone exited the session and accused the National Conference (NC) of collaborating with the BJP. The BJP reiterated its stance, emphasizing that Parliament has already abrogated Article 370, and state assemblies do not possess the authority to overturn parliamentary decisions. “Discussion of Article 370 is redundant. It’s a waste of time to deliberate an issue that’s now history. Only those lacking constitutional understanding would wish to engage in such discussions,” Sharma remarked. “The Supreme Court has upheld its abrogation,” he added.
Sharma also criticized Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, for his walkout over the Article 370 issue, implying that Lone’s ties to Pakistan—due to his in-laws residing there—have resurfaced. “He (Lone) is frustrated after narrowly winning the election and finds himself isolated in the Assembly,” Sharma stated.
Notably, during the inaugural session of the J&K Assembly in November of last year, Lone, along with PDP’s Waheed Parra and Awami Ittehad Party’s (AIP) Sheikh Khursheed, had supported a resolution advocating for the restoration of J&K’s special status. (KNO)
