Clashes erupt between NC and Opposition in J&K assembly over Waqf (Amendment) Act

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly was thrown into disarray on Tuesday as clashes erupted between the ruling National Conference (NC) and Opposition parties from Kashmir, all centered around the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The bill, which was approved in Parliament last week, became the focal point of a tense debate, leading to adjournment of the House.

The dispute intensified as Opposition members, led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), demanded a resolution against the Act. NC lawmakers, however, were pushing for a discussion on their adjournment motion regarding the Waqf Act.

As the debate escalated, PDP and Awami Ittehad Party members attempted to bring up the matter through an adjournment motion, but Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather rejected it, further fueling tensions.

Opposition MLAs, including PDP’s Waheed Para, who was later removed from the premises by marshals, raised slogans against the Speaker. A confrontation followed between Para and NC’s Abul Majid Larmi, who accused him of being an RSS agent.

This led to a heated verbal exchange. As Para was marshaled out, People’s Conference leader Sajad Lone attempted to intervene, but was also caught in a verbal clash with NC legislators. Lone criticised the NC for protesting against its own Speaker, calling it “theatrics”.

Lone demanded a no-confidence motion against the Speaker. "J&K is the only Muslim-majority province in the entire country. Muslims of India deserve that strong message from here. But for that, the Speaker is not ready,” he said.

With the situation deteriorating, Speaker Rather adjourned the session until 1 pm, stating that the Legislative Assembly could not overturn the decisions made by Parliament.

Meanwhile, PDP President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti voiced her strong Opposition to the Speaker’s actions, calling it 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 posted on X.

"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," Mufti added.