Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah today ruled out any hasty introduction of a bill in the state legislature seeking greater autonomy for J&K.
Replying to a demand by a Janata Dal (JD) MLA that since the National Conference has more than two thirds majority in the assembly it should introduce a bill in the assembly seeking restoration of autonomy for the state as it existed till 1953, a visibly angered Farooq Abdullah said, I know that I have a two thirds majority in the Assembly. But, I will never introduce such a bill in any haste as it will destroy the State.
He also said that autonomy is a very sensitive issue and all aspects need to be minutely scrutinised before we go ahead with it.
The autonomy is a very sensitive issue and all aspects need to be minutely scrutinised before we go ahead with it.
The autonomy issue became a hot topic during the autumn session of the legislature which started here today. Mr Dilawar Mir of the JD urged the Chief Minister not to be afraid of New Delhi since you have a two thirds majority in the house which is enough to see through the bill seeking restoration of autonomy to the state.
Dr Abdullah refused to take the accusation and shot back, I am not here because of the centre or the opposition. I have a duty to keep the state united as my mandate has been from all the three regions of the state.
A ruling party MLA expressed apprehension that we are not keeping the promise made to the people during elections about restoration of autonomy to the state. Intervening, Dr Abdullah said, I hope to come up with a bill in this regard in the next session of the legislature. That assurance calmed the opposition.
Meanwhile, the state assembly yesterday ratified the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Bill seeking a better deal for the backward people of the region.
The present session is also slated to pass two more bills namely the extension in the application of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and the Disturbed Areas Act reportedly without any amendments in them by another year.
