The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed a dramatic session as Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather denied an adjournment motion submitted by the ruling National Conference (NC) and its allies to debate the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act passed by Parliament. The decision has not only stalled a critical legislative discussion but has also triggered widespread criticism, including allegations of political duplicity by the NC and efforts to suppress debates on issues central to J-K’s identity.
Speaker Cites Sub Judice Clause Amid Opposition Fury
The Speaker, appointed by the NC-led government, cited the sub judice status of the Waqf Act—currently challenged in the Supreme Court—as grounds for rejecting the motion. However, this reasoning failed to convince the opposition and some NC members, who joined PDP and Independents in protesting the move. Critics pointed out that petitions against the Waqf Act have not yet been formally admitted by the apex court, raising questions about the legitimacy of the sub judice claim. Peoples Conference (PC) president Sajad Lone strongly criticized the Speaker’s move, calling it an orchestrated attempt to avoid discussions not only on the Waqf Act but also on three lapsed resolutions seeking restoration of statehood.
Dissent Within and Beyond the Assembly
The disruption in the Assembly also blocked other key proposals, including two resolutions by Lone—one demanding the return of J-K’s pre-August 2019 status, and another seeking repatriation of Public Safety Act detainees lodged in other states. Both were denied without detailed justification. Additionally, a private member’s Bill by PDP MLA Waheed Para calling for the restoration of “Martyrs’ Day” as a state holiday was left out during balloting despite being admitted earlier.
The unrest inside the Assembly was mirrored by a wave of criticism outside. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti accused the Omar Abdullah-led NC government of appeasing the BJP, while Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the refusal to debate the Waqf issue in a Muslim-majority region. The controversy escalated as NC faced backlash for allegedly staging the protest while hosting Union Minister Kiren Rijiju—the very minister who piloted the Waqf Bill—in Srinagar. Social media commentary from Iltija Mufti and Lone slammed the CM’s decision to welcome Rijiju, calling it a betrayal of the people’s mandate.
