Bill for Article 370 Restoration Passed in IIOJK Assembly

The bill, tabled by the ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday, aims to restore the territory’s unique status, a key promise in the party’s manifesto.

In a major political move, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, passed a bill calling for the reinstatement of Article 370, which granted the region special autonomy until the Indian government revoked it in August 2019. The bill, tabled by the ruling National Conference (NC) on Wednesday, aims to restore the territory’s unique status, a key promise in the party’s manifesto.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary introduced the bill, emphasizing the need to restore the region’s autonomy and counter the unilateral action taken by the Indian government on August 5, 2019. This decision had stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status and divided it into Union Territories, sparking widespread protests and discontent among regional parties and citizens.

The debate in the Assembly was charged, with NC members passionately advocating for the resolution. However, strong opposition came from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by legislator Sunil Sharma, who called the proposal “unacceptable.” Despite this opposition, the resolution passed with support from the majority of legislators, excluding BJP members.

Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather put the resolution to a vote, and after counting the responses, announced the bill’s passage. This move underscores the ongoing efforts by Jammu and Kashmir’s regional parties to regain the special provisions that were a vital part of its political identity.

The bill’s passage is a symbolic victory for the region’s political representatives and adds to the ongoing push for Article 370’s restoration. The move reflects enduring demands for political autonomy. It challenges the controversial abrogation of the article by the Indian government, as the territory continues to navigate its path forward amidst complex political tensions.