Srinagar , Nov 06 ( KINS) : The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a protest on Thursday against a resolution passed by the J&K Assembly, calling for the restoration of the former state’s special status. The protest, led by BJP state president Sat Paul Sharma, took place outside the party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, on the outskirts of Jammu city. Party workers gathered to voice their opposition, setting ablaze a joint effigy of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, accusing the National Conference-led government of stirring unrest.
The resolution, introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, urges the central government to engage in dialogue with local representatives to reinstate J&K’s special status, which was rescinded on August 5, 2019, with the abrogation of Article 370. The motion passed by voice vote amid opposition from BJP members, who objected vociferously during the session.
Speaking to reporters, Sat Paul Sharma condemned the move, labeling Choudhary as “Jammu’s Jaichand,” referencing the historical figure often associated with betrayal in Indian folklore. Sharma criticized Choudhary for “disturbing the peaceful atmosphere” and insisted that the National Conference’s push to revive Article 370 was an attempt to disrupt stability in the region. He added that the return of J&K’s special status remains unlikely as long as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah are in office.
Ravinder Raina, former J&K BJP president, joined the protest, denouncing the National Conference and its coalition partner, Congress. Raina argued that Article 370 had fueled separatism and terrorism in the region, and said the BJP-led government had removed it to promote lasting peace in J&K. “Passing resolutions like these will not lead to the restoration of the revoked constitutional provision,” he stated.
The resolution, however, has received support from J&K parties advocating for the restoration of the state’s special status.( KINS)
BJP stages protest against J&K Assembly’s resolution on special status restoration
