SUHAIL KHAN
SOPORE, Nov 08: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather praised the proceedings, stating, “It was very good.”
In an interview with Kashmir Despatch, the Speaker underscored the importance of Article 370, emphasizing that it is “not a small thing for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
He noted that discussions centered around the special position of the region, highlighting the ongoing relevance of Article 370 in shaping the identity and rights of the people of J&K. Moreover, he pointed out that there were detailed discussions regarding the special status, which holds significant importance for the residents of J&K.
He further stated, “In the Assembly, we discussed Article 370, and the conversations surrounding the special status were extensive and crucial.”
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and leader of the opposition, Sunil Sharma, said that the way the Speaker conducted the assembly is condemnable.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, Sharma stated, “This is the darkest day in the history of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly. The assembly was constituted by the people with the hope that their problems regarding water, electricity, hospitals, and education would be solved. However, the Speaker has functioned as an agent of a particular party and performed an unconstitutional and illegal act in an undemocratic way.”
Sharma added that the unfortunate part is that the Speaker is saying the demand for special status is a demand for the restoration of Article 370. “He is acting like a spokesman for the National Conference,” Sharma continued.
He stated that Article 370 was removed by the highest temple of democracy in the country and that this was settled by the Supreme Court. “Article 370 is now history. They are comparing Article 370 to a phrase like ‘special status,’ which does not even exist in the Constitution.”
“I challenge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that if the term ‘special status’ with regard to Jammu and Kashmir is found anywhere in the Constitution, I will retire from politics,” he concluded.
