Indian-occupied Kashmir legislature passes resolution seeking restoration of autonomy

SRINAGAR: The newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Legislative Assembly, on Wednesday, passed a resolution advocating the restoration of the special autonomous status for the disputed region, that was scrapped in 2019.

In 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime abolished Articles 370 and 35A of the constitution that granted special status to the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and defined “permanent residents” of the state and their special privileges.

After the scrapping of special status, New Delhi imposed a curfew in the main cities and towns of IIOJK and suspended all internet, cellular as well as landline phone and television services. A massive crackdown was launched with 38,000 additional troops deployed a few days before enacting the illegal move.

The resolution tabled by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary saw support from 50 members of the 90-member legislative assembly, including some opposition members. Members of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opposed the resolution.

The resolution stated, “The Legislative Assembly reaffirms the importance of the special status and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture, and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and expresses concern over the unilateral removal.”

The resolution called on the “Modi government to initiate a dialogue with elected representatives of the people of IIOJK for restoration of the special status, and constitutional guarantees and to work out constitutional mechanisms for restoring these provisions.”

“The Assembly emphasizes that any process for restoration must safeguard both national unity and the legitimate aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” it read.

“The assembly has done its job,” chief minister Omar Abdullah told reporters.

BJP members strongly opposed the resolution and created a ruckus in the House, calling the ruling National Conference “a mischievous party since 1947.” They said the resolution carried no weight as the parliament had scrapped the special status, which was “history now”.