Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Sep 25
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah challenged Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislators on Friday to debate and vote on a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, after protests disrupted proceedings in the Legislative Assembly.
Speaking to reporters after the resolution was introduced, Omar said there was nothing “anti-national” about seeking statehood and noted that the BJP had also supported the demand in its election manifesto.
“Today, we are only asking BJP for a vote on statehood,” Omar said, accusing BJP legislators of disrupting proceedings to avoid a vote.
The resolution calls on the Government of India for the “immediate and urgent restoration” of full statehood and provides for it to be sent to the Centre.
Omar said the measure did not seek a fresh vote on Article 370, special status or autonomy. He said earlier Assembly resolutions on those subjects would remain on the record.
He said that if the BJP wanted to remove or replace earlier resolutions, it should introduce a separate measure and seek a vote in the House.
The reference to the June 2000 autonomy resolution in the latest statehood measure triggered strong objections from BJP members, who disrupted proceedings and opposed any discussion on autonomy.
Omar also said he was prepared to face a debate on his government’s performance over the past two years, but argued that such a discussion was separate from the statehood resolution.
He urged BJP legislators to participate in the debate and vote rather than abstain or walk out.
The chief minister said statehood was an issue concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than a particular political party or government.
The Assembly was adjourned until Monday after the protests over the resolution.
