Jammu: Ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly session on Monday, two resolutions submitted by Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone were rejected. One resolution sought the restoration of J&K’s pre-August 2019 status, including Article 370, and the other called for the return of people detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA), Indian Express reported.
No official reason was given, but Indian Express quoting sources reported that the Article 370 resolution was turned down because the National Conference (NC) had introduced a similar one in the last session. Rules don’t allow repeating similar motions within a year.
After JK became a Union Territory, the Speaker was given the power to decide how the Assembly functions.
In the last session, the NC passed a softer resolution asking for talks, which many in the opposition called weak and disappointing.
Lone said his resolution was clear, directly mentioning Article 370, 35A, the Reorganisation Act, and the events of August 2019. He denied that it was a repeat of the NC’s version and challenged anyone to prove otherwise.
His second resolution, asking for PSA detainees to be brought back to J&K, was also rejected. Sources told Indian Express that it falls under government of India’s jurisdiction. Lone disagreed, saying that while state assemblies can’t make laws on everything, they can still voice public opinion. He has called the decision unjustified.
Another proposal, by PDP’s Waheed Para, to restore the July 13 “Martyrs’ Day” holiday, was also dropped despite being initially accepted. The holiday is widely supported in the Valley, except by the BJP.
