Jammu Kashmir Assembly Erupts Over Statehood Resolution, BJP Protests Reference to 2000 Autonomy Resolution

Jammu Kashmir Assembly Erupts Over Statehood Resolution, BJP Protests Reference to 2000 Autonomy Resolution

SRINAGAR, September 28, 2026 [VoM News]: The Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Monday during debate on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, with BJP legislators entering the Well of the House and strongly opposing its reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution.

BJP MLAs raised slogans demanding the removal of Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and protesting against the Omar Abdullah-led government. Amid the commotion, two BJP legislators were marshalled out of the House. Congress members also moved towards the Well as tensions escalated. The Speaker subsequently adjourned proceedings for half an hour.

The statehood resolution was moved by Abdullah on Friday. It calls upon the Government of India for the “immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood” to Jammu and Kashmir and refers to resolutions passed by the Assembly on June 26, 2000, and November 6, 2024.

Several members, including legislators from the ruling National Conference, have also moved amendments seeking references to the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A.

The BJP’s principal objection is to the reference to the June 2000 autonomy resolution, which sought restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-1953 constitutional position. Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said his party supports restoration of statehood but opposes the language and autonomy reference in Abdullah’s resolution.

Sharma, who met Union Home Minister Amit Shah ahead of Monday’s debate, accused Abdullah of undermining the statehood demand by linking it with the autonomy resolution. The BJP has described the autonomy provision as unacceptable, while maintaining that it supports restoration of statehood at an appropriate time.

Abdullah, however, maintained that the latest resolution is specifically about restoring full statehood and does not replace or subsume the Assembly’s earlier resolutions. He said the demand was about the identity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir rather than his government or party.

The Chief Minister also accused the local BJP leadership of opposing statehood, a charge the BJP rejects. Sharma has said his party supports statehood but will not support discussion on autonomy or restoration of Article 370.

The 2000 autonomy resolution was adopted when Farooq Abdullah headed the Jammu and Kashmir government. It sought restoration of the constitutional relationship that existed between Jammu and Kashmir and the Union before changes introduced from 1953 onward.