Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha calls for restoration of J&K Statehood; lauds high turnout in polls

PDP legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra’s move to bring a resolution on revocation of Article 370 at Assembly’s first session triggers uproar in House

Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha, in his address to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s first session on Monday (November 4, 2024), underscored the need for restoration of Statehood. On the other hand, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra’s move to bring a resolution, though against protocol, on revocation of Article 370 caused an uproar in the House.

Praising the locals for the high voter turnout in the elections held this year, Mr. Sinha said, “The government will make all efforts for the restoration of full Statehood and constitutional guarantees available to the State. It would be a befitting reciprocation of the faith reposed by the people in our democratic institutions. It reflected the enduring faith of the people in democratic processes.”

The L-G said the high turnout, particularly in regions that traditionally couldn’t participate fully because of a vociferous minority sympathetic to separatist sentiments, indicated that the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to see electoral participation as a means to voice their concerns and aspirations.

‘Collective will’

“The aspiration for a return to the Statehood remains strong. The Prime Minister, on several occasions, has already expressed his commitment to restoring Statehood, which has rekindled hope and reassurance for the people. The Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir has recently passed a unanimous resolution calling for the immediate restoration of Statehood. This resolution reflects the collective will of the elected representatives, echoing the aspirations of the people for the reinstatement of full democratic governance,” Mr. Sinha added.

The L-G’s speech sounded in tune with the ruling National Conference’s (NC) approach. Mr. Sinha promised to strive for measures on many fronts, including addressing the issue of unemployment and promoting tourism, industry, horticulture, power sector etc. He announced distribution of free electricity (200 units) to deserving families.

J&K Cabinet resolution presses for Statehood

The issue of revocation of Article 370 dominated the first day of the Assembly when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator Mr. Parra moved a resolution, though against the protocol of the House.

“I request the Speaker the PDP’s resolution is taken up for discussion. Like the Constituent Assembly of Sheikh Abdullah’s time, this Assembly too is a transition to negotiate our relation between Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre. The resolution demands restoring the legacy of Sheikh Abdullah and Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh,” Mr. Parra said.

The PDP resolution said the House opposed the revocation of special status and constitutional disempowerment of Jammu and Kashmir through the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act and called for its complete rescinding. It further said the House would strive for restoration of special status and constitutional guarantees in its original form.

BJP’s opposition

The PDP legislator’s move triggered a ruckus in the House, with the BJP legislators up in arms. “This is not appropriate on the first day. Such matters should not be introduced in this House,” Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma (BJP) said.

Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) MLA Sheikh Khursheed and J&K Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone were seen supporting Mr. Parra. However, several ruling NC legislators termed Mr. Parra’s move “a media stunt and an act to grab headlines”.

The NC is also mulling to bring a resolution against revocation of Article 370’s special provisions. “The reality is that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not approve of the decision taken on August 5, 2019. If they had approved, then the results today would have been different. The House will together discuss how the resolution to that effect shall be passed,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, in a post on X, praised Mr. Parra. “Proud of Waheed Parra for introducing (a) resolution in J&K Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370 and resolve to restore the special status. God bless you,” Ms. Mufti said.

Earlier in the day, senior NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather was elected Speaker of the House.

Published - November 04, 2024 01:42 pm IST