Lone Walks Out Over PSA, ’87 Rigging, and Police Checks Snub in J&K Assembly
Srinagar, Mar 4, KNT: Heated exchanges marked the second day of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s maiden budget session as People’s Conference (PC) chief and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone, walked out in protest over the rejection of his proposed amendments to the Lieutenant Governor’s address.
Lone had sought to introduce amendments addressing Article 370, the scrapping of the Public Safety Act (PSA), alleged rigging of the 1987 elections, and police verification of residents. However, the Speaker disallowed his proposals, citing procedural constraints, triggering strong objections from the PC leader.
“As per Rule 187, a discussion on Article 370 cannot be allowed within a year of the same resolution. The 1987 election issue is a historical matter and must be a recent event to qualify for debate. The PSA and police verification fall under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and this Assembly has no authority over them until statehood is restored,” the Speaker ruled.
Lone, however, challenged the decision, arguing that his amendment on Article 370 was distinct from previous discussions on special status. “The last session’s resolution mentioned special status but did not explicitly refer to Article 370. Special status could even mean a Union Territory. Your election manifesto promised to scrap PSA, but now in government, you claim it is not in your hands but with the MHA,” he countered.
Despite his repeated attempts to press for a debate, the Speaker remained firm, leaving Lone with no option but to stage a walkout in protest. His exit from the House underscored ongoing political friction over key issues tied to Jammu and Kashmir’s governance and constitutional status.
