J&K Assembly Rejects Resolutions on Article 370 and Detainees
Srinagar, March 31, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has disallowed resolutions proposed by People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone, including the restoration of Article 370 and the return of detainees booked under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The decision, citing law-and-order concerns, has sparked criticism and reignited debates about free expression and the assembly’s role in representing the will of the people.
Resolutions Rejected
Sajad Lone’s resolutions aimed to condemn the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, urging the Government of India to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-August 5, 2019, constitutional position. Another resolution sought the return of detainees booked under the PSA to the region. However, the assembly ruled that these matters were beyond its domain, leading to the rejection of both proposals.
Sajad Lone’s Criticism
Lone criticized the decision, calling it a restriction on free expression. “We may not be able to make laws, get detainees back, or restore Article 370, but no one can stop us from expressing our opinion. By disallowing the resolution on political prisoners, they are restricting free expression, which is very dangerous,” he stated.
He also took a swipe at the National Conference (NC), accusing it of passing a vague resolution on special status last year that lacked constitutional validity. Lone argued that the assembly should serve as a platform for clear and unambiguous representation of the people’s sentiments.
Political Context
The rejection of Lone’s resolutions comes amid ongoing debates about Jammu and Kashmir’s governance model as a Union Territory. Opposition parties have criticized the assembly for failing to address key issues, including statehood and the restoration of special status. The decision has further polarized political discourse in the region.
