Jammu, April 9, 2025 — The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed tumultuous scenes today as members clashed over the proposed discussion on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025. The uproar led to the House being adjourned until 1 PM.
The commotion began when National Conference (NC) MLAs vociferously demanded a debate on the Waqf Act. Speaker of the Assembly, citing that the matter is sub-judice, ruled out any discussion on the bill. This decision did not sit well with the NC legislators, resulting in heated exchanges and physical confrontations within the Assembly premises.
Sajad Lone, chief of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference, expressed his dissatisfaction with the Speaker’s stance. He stated, “We demanded that the Speaker either goes back to his chambers temporarily and Mubarak Gul take over for the time being and our work will be done. We also brought in a no-confidence motion. If he persists, then I think the no-confidence motion should be successful… Discussions on the Waqf bill will be held if they (NC) want.”
Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Mehraj Malik alleged that he was assaulted by certain Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers within the Assembly premises. Malik accused the police of complicity, claiming they allowed BJP supporters and workers into the Assembly premises, facilitating the assault. [KNT]
