SRINAGAR: J&K Government today said it will protect the special status granted to the State under Indian Constitution.
“We are here to safeguard and protect the Article 370 and Article 35-A,” Law minister Basharat Bukhari said amid thumping of desks by the treasury benches.
Bukhari made the statement as Opposition National Conference and Congress demanded suspension of Question Hour for discussing Article 35-A which has been challenged in the Supreme Court.
According to Article 35-A, Indian citizens other than the state subjects of Jammu and Kashmir cannot acquire immovable property or have the voting rights, while Article 370 grants special status to the State.
“Question Hour is meant for raising issues of public interest in the House. Please stop creating disruptions,” the Minister told the Opposition.
Leading the charge on behalf of the coalition Government, Bukhari said rules demand that the House should not hear matters which are sub-judice.
“Go and read the rules. What are you (Opposition members) shouting for? By creating this melee, you are only wasting the precious time of this House,” he said.
Regretting the constant disruptions, Bukhari said the Opposition is not serious in speaking on issues of public interest.
“They only want to disrupt the House. It is not necessary to adjourn the Question Hour. Article 35A is sub-judice and there are rules which must be followed,” he said. (AGENCIES)
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