Massive Brawl In Jammu & Kashmir Assembly As Article 370 Debate Heats Up

A violent clash broke out in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday over the issue of Article 370, with MLAs physically fighting and throwing punches. The chaos erupted when Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, who is the brother of Engineer Rashid, displayed a banner regarding Article 370. This led to an objection from Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma.

As the situation escalated, marshals rushed to intervene and separated the fighting MLAs. They also forcibly escorted BJP MLAs out of the assembly. In response to the scuffle, opposition leaders from the BJP accused the Speaker of showing bias in favor of MLA Khurshid Ahmad. After a brief adjournment, the assembly resumed but was adjourned again until the following day.

BJP state chief Ravinder Raina strongly condemned the actions of the National Conference (NC) and Congress, accusing them of harboring anti-India sentiments. He stated, "Congress ka hath Pakistan ke sath, Congress ke hath terrorists ke sath."

Resolution to Restore Article 370

A similar uproar occurred on Wednesday when the resolution to restore Article 370 was introduced. J-K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary moved the resolution to reinstate the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019.

This sparked fury among BJP members, who tore the resolution papers and threw them into the well of the House. During the commotion, Sheikh Khurshid attempted to approach the well but was stopped by assembly marshals. NC members raised slogans demanding that the resolution be passed.