BJP legislators clash with MP Engineer Rashid’s brother, NC members in J&K Assembly over Article 370 banner

The Assembly session in Jammu and Kashmir began on a stormy note on Nov 7 when independent legislator Sheikh Khursheed, brother of Member of Parliament (MP) Engineer Rashid, came to the Well of the House with a banner demanding the restoration of Article 370 and release of all political prisoners.

A scuffle broke out when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators stormed the Well, trying to take Khursheed's banner. Legislators Sajad Lone, Waheed Para, and a few National Conference (NC) members also jumped into the Well in support of Khursheed.

At least three legislators were marshaled out on the directions of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather.

This comes a day after the Assembly passed a resolution on special status, seeking a “dialogue” with the Union Territory’s elected representatives for restoration of the same as well as constitutional guarantees, “and to work out constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.”

BJP legislators stormed the Well of the House on November 6, when the resolution was moved.

While the scuffle ensued, Para, Fayaz Mir, and Lone brought forth another resolution seeking the restoration of the special status. Khursheed also signed the resolution.

“This House unequivocally demands the immediate restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A in their original, unaltered form, and calls for the reversal of all changes introduced by the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. We further urge the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic sanctity of Jammu & Kashmir by reinstating all special provisions and guarantees intended to preserve its distinct identity, culture, and political autonomy,” the resolution read.