Pandemonium in J&K Assembly over Article 370

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah addressing the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday.

: Both the Houses of the Jammu & Kashmir legislature were adjourned sine die on Wednesday after legislators of the ruling party and the Opposition exchanged blows and hurled furniture at one another over the issue of Article 370. The Article gives the State a special constitutional status.

Pandemonium and uproarious scenes dominated the proceedings of the Lower House after Speaker Kavinder Gupta skirted a debate on Article 370. “Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s remarks will be examined. She did not dub any BJP leader anti-national … There are elements that want to set the Valley on fire,” said Mr. Gupta, while insisting on proceeding with normal business.

Demand for clarification

However, National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah demanded a clarification from Ms. Mufti, who was not present in the Assembly.

“We wanted a clarification. However, the rulers hid behind the Speaker. This shows how shaken this government is due to the developments that have taken place in the past few days,” said Mr. Abdullah.

Two days ago, Ms. Mufti described those opposing Article 370 as “anti-nationals.”

The BJP, also the ruling coalition partner, took objection to the remark.

Later, NC MLA Mohammad Akbar Lone and BJP leader Lal Singh exchanged blows. Altaf Kallo, an NC MLA, was injured.

In the wake of unruly scenes, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die . The Upper House was also adjourned with the ruling and Opposition parties creating a ruckus.