Controversy Erupts Over Waqf Amendment Act in J&K Assembly, Briefly Adjourned
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Synopsis
On April 7, the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed protests from NC, Congress, PDP, and Independent MLAs against the Waqf Amendment Act, leading to a brief adjournment by the Speaker. The assembly's budget session resumed after a break, marking the first adjournment of the session due to the uproar.
Key Takeaways
- Protests erupted in J&K Assembly over the Waqf Amendment Act.
- Speaker adjourned the House for 15 minutes due to the uproar.
- Opposition from BJP against the motion for adjournment.
- Discussion on private bills for restoration of statehood to J&K.
- Union Home Minister assured clarity on statehood restoration.
Jammu, April 7 (NationPress) The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly's proceedings faced disruption on Monday as members from NC, Congress, PDP, and several Independent MLAs staged a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act enacted by Parliament, leading the Speaker to adjourn the House for 15 minutes.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather denied the request to adjourn the question hour for a discussion on the Waqf Amendment Act, as sought by the protesting MLAs.
The Assembly resumed its 40-day budget session on Monday following a break for holidays.
This marked the first instance of adjournment during the current budget session. Upon the House convening for the day, National Conference MLAs led by Nazir Gurezi and Tanvir Sadiq submitted a motion to adjourn the question hour to deliberate on the Waqf law, which had garnered notice from nine members of the NC, Congress, and a few independents.
The BJP, spearheaded by the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma, opposed this motion.
This opposition incited a cacophony that persisted for over two minutes.
The Speaker cited Rule 58 of the House, stating that the adjournment notice could not be entertained as the issue is currently sub judice.
“I cannot permit an adjournment in the House as the matter is under judicial consideration,” he noted.
The Speaker's rejection led to protests from the NC, Congress, and PDP members, who demanded the adjournment and advanced towards the well of the House.
As the uproar continued, the Speaker declared a 15-minute adjournment.
Three MLAs have submitted notices for private bills advocating for a resolution to restore statehood to J&K.
The Speaker has yet to deliver a ruling on these private bills.
In its inaugural session after the elected government assumed power, the Assembly passed a resolution advocating for statehood restoration, which was presented to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister by the J&K Chief Minister during his initial visit after taking office.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who is currently on a three-day visit to J&K, stated on Sunday while addressing BJP MLAs that there is comprehensive clarity regarding the restoration of statehood, which will be reinstated at an opportune moment.
