IIOJ&K assembly demands restoration of partial autonomy, BJP opposes

29 BJP members in 90-seat house opposed non-binding resolution, which requires approval from governor

By AFP

November 07, 2024

IIOJK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah pictured during an assembly session of the disputed territory. — Times of India/file

HELD SRINAGAR: The Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir’s (IIOJ&K) assembly passed a resolution on Wednesday, demanding New Delhi restore the Muslim-majority territory’s special status revoked by India’s Hindu nationalist government in 2019.

“This assembly calls upon the government of India to initiate dialogue with elected representatives of people of Jammu and Kashmir for restoration of special status,” the resolution read, passed by a majority vote.

The 29 BJP members in the 90-seat house opposed the non-binding resolution, which requires the approval from the federally appointed governor. “The assembly has done its job,” chief minister Omar Abdullah told reporters.

The resolution said it “reaffirms the importance of the special and constitutional guarantees, which safeguarded the identity, culture and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir”.

The 2019 constitutional amendment imposing direct rule also downgraded Kashmir from a federal state to a “union territory”.