Chaos in J&K Assembly as NC, opposition MLAs clash over resolution on Waqf Act
Jammu: MLAs raise slogans during the Budget session of the J&K Assembly, in Jammu, Monday, April 7, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI04_07_2025_000168B)
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly descended into chaos on Tuesday, as members of the National Conference (NC) and other Kashmir-based opposition parties clashed over the controversial Waqf Act.
The disruption began when NC legislators demanded that their adjournment motion to debate the Bill be accepted. At the same time, opposition parties were pushing for a formal resolution against the legislation. As soon as the House proceedings began, NC MLAs stood up, urging the speaker to allow their motion.
People's Democratic Party MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para walked into the well of the house, demanding that the opposition's resolution against the Act be passed. Tensions escalated when NC leader Abdul Majid Larmi accused Para of being an “agent of the RSS,” sparking a heated exchange between NC and opposition members. As Para moved towards the speaker’s podium, the speaker ordered marshals to remove him from the House.
During the scuffle, People's Conference president Sajad Lone attempted to intervene but was also escorted out. The situation grew more tense as NC members and Sajad Lone exchanged sharp words. “You are putting on a show,” Lone said. “It’s ironic that NC legislators are protesting against their own party’s speaker just to mislead the public.”
In response to ongoing protests, the speaker reminded members that the assembly could not reverse a law already passed by Parliament. “What Parliament has done cannot be undone here,” he said and ruled out any debate on the issue. As the uproar continued, the speaker adjourned the House for 30 minutes.
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which resumed proceedings after a 12-day break, has witnessed noisy scenes over the passing of the Waqf (Amendment) Act passed by Parliament.
On Monday, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti termed the rejection of the adjournment motion on the Waqf (Amendment) Act "profoundly disappointing" and accused the National Conference government of yielding to the BJP's "anti-Muslim" agenda.
India