Jammu And Kashmir: Demand To Adjourn WAQF Act Discussion Turns Into A Brawl, PDP MLA Marshalled Out

The Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Monday witnessed a fierce protest, which turned out into a brawl over a demand for a discussion on the contentious Waqf Amendment act. It was the second day of Budget session when no work happened in the house due to high political drama.

The Internet has flooded with photos and videos from inside the house, showing the National Conference (NC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) Lawmakers engaged in a war of words with BJP MLAs.

The BJP MLAs demanded to implement WAQF act, approved by the Parliament and President last Week, while NC and PDP representatives objected to it. An adjournment motion to discuss the Waqf Act was moved by the PDP and the Awami Ittehad Party MLAs, which was rejected by the Speaker of house.

Reacting to it, MLAs started protesting and shouting slogans against the bill and the Speaker. To control the ruckus, Speaker ordered to marshal out PDP MLA Waheed Para from the house.

Former Jammu & Kashmir CM and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti registered her protest through a post on X, stating: 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 said.

She further added that "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 too expressed disagreement with Speaker's actions and demanded a no-confidence motion against him.

"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. This is the only solution," Sajad Lone said.