The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed chaos on Tuesday as the National Conference (NC)-led government tabled its first legislation, the Jammu & Kashmir Goods and Services (Amendment) Act-2025, prompting a sharp backlash from Kashmir-based opposition leaders.
Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone staged a dramatic walkout, accusing the government of ratifying the Union Territory (UT) status of J&K.
According to Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the bill, introduced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, amends the GST law by replacing “Government of Jammu & Kashmir” with “Government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.” Lone fiercely objected, declaring, “This is an endorsement of J&K’s conversion into a UT. I refuse to be part of this sin,” before exiting the House in protest. PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para also voiced reservations over the legislation.
Responding to the walkout, CM Abdullah defended the bill, stating, “It’s a reality that J&K is a Union Territory.” The legislation was later passed via voice vote, backed by NC, Congress, and their allies, despite the opposition’s dissent.
The session underscored deep divisions over J&K’s political status, with the bill intensifying tensions in the Assembly. – (KNO)
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