Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed high political drama for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as the House descended into chaos after opposition parties continued with their demand for a discussion on the contentious Waqf Amendment act, leading to a temporary adjournment. The verbal duel disrupted proceedings and forced the Speaker to adjourn the session till 1 pm.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Awami Ittehad Party had moved an ajournment motion to discuss the Waqf Act, which was subsequently rejected by the Speaker. Several MLAs were seen raising slogans against the Speaker and later PDP MLA Waheed Para was marshalled out of the Assembly premises. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti took to X to voice her concerns over the Speaker’s actions, calling it a “direct assault on the rights, beliefs, and dignity of 24 crore Muslims in India”.
“The Waqf issue transcends matters of faith. It is a direct assault on the rights, beliefs, and dignity of 24 crore Muslims in India. As the only Muslim-majority region Jammu & Kashmir must rise to the occasion and defend the rights of its people,” she wrote.
In light of this, PDP has submitted a fresh resolution addressing this crucial issue. The government must take it seriously to ensure that the voice of the people is heard. I urge the Chief Minister, the Legislative Assembly and the J&K government to show political resolve and stand firm against any encroachment on the rights of its people. Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone also registered his disagreement, demanding a no-confidence motion against the Speaker.
We too want that there should be a resolution. J&K is the only Muslim-majority province in the entire country. Muslims of India deserve that strong message goes from here. But for that, the Speaker is not ready. The Speaker has been elected by the NC. If they are serious, they should bring a no-confidence motion against him, remove him and bring in a new Speaker who would allow this. Short of that, there is no other solution.