BJP members protest in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

Chaos erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly as BJP members staged a protest against a resolution to restore statehood. The BJP members objected to the specific language used in the proposal introduced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, particularly regarding references to the 2000 autonomy resolution and the constitutional status of the region.

During the commotion, BJP legislators entered the ‘well’ of the House and conducted mock proceedings. The party also submitted a notice to remove Speaker Abdul Rahim Rathore from his position. When the Speaker declined to vacate his chair, stating that the notice would be considered for listing after 14 days according to parliamentary procedure, protesters threw papers and tore official documents.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary defended the government's position during the unrest. Despite the disruptions, the Speaker continued the session, allowing question hour and subsequent debates on the autonomy resolution to proceed.