In a move that stirred intense debate, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, a legislator from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), introduced a resolution opposing the abrogation of Article 370 in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday. The resolution challenges the Union Government’s 2019 decision, which stripped J&K of its special constitutional status. The session marked the first convening of the J&K Assembly since its reconstitution as a Union Territory, reports The Hindu.
Speaking after National Conference (NC) veteran Abdul Rahim Rather’s election as Assembly Speaker, Parra highlighted the historical legacy of the J&K Constituent Assembly under NC founder Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah. He appealed to the Assembly to restore J&K’s special status, expressing that the current Assembly held a responsibility to redefine the region’s relationship with the Union of India.
“This Assembly should pass a resolution to oppose the J&K Reorganisation Act and restore Article 370,” said Parra, voicing the PDP’s official stance.
The proposal was met with resistance from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators, who demanded that the resolution be dismissed. Sunil Sharma, BJP’s Leader of Opposition, argued, “Such a topic is inappropriate on the Assembly’s first day. Matters like these shouldn’t be introduced in this House.”
Parra’s resolution, however, found support from Awami Ittehad Party MLA Sheikh Khursheed and J&K Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, who backed his call for restoring J&K’s special status.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather responded to the contention by indicating he would thoroughly review the proposal. “I have yet to examine this resolution in detail. Let me evaluate it before making a decision,” he stated.
The PDP’s bold move reflects a counter-response to the NC’s anticipated resolution, which seeks to oppose the 2019 abrogation of Article 370. The NC, holding approximately 55 seats in the Assembly, was planning to raise the issue during debates on the J&K Governor’s address.
Meanwhile, PDP President and former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed pride in Parra’s actions on social media, saying, “Proud of Waheed Parra for introducing a resolution in the J&K Assembly opposing the revocation of Article 370. May God bless you.”
This resolution reflects the ongoing complexity surrounding J&K’s political future as various parties continue to navigate the state’s constitutional legacy and relationship with the Union.
