The J&K assembly session begins with a renewed demand for restoration of statehood

Amidst the clamor, members of the ruling alliance that includes the National Conference (NC), Congress and CPI(M) stood demanding immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir September 21, 2026 | Photo credit: ANI

The issue of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir came up on the first day of the autumn session of the Union Territorial Assembly on Monday (September 21, 2026) as the ruling alliance pressed for its immediate restoration. After the assembly recorded obituary references to the three deceased ministers, the opposition BJP targeted the government by raising slogans on various public issues.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged the BJP MLAs to take their seats and continue with the legislative agenda. However, BJP members holding placards persisted in their slogans and created a chaotic atmosphere.

#Watch | The J&K Assembly session begins amid uproar as BJP leaders raise issues related to National Health Mission employees.

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Amidst the clamor, members of the ruling alliance that includes the National Conference (NC), Congress and CPI(M) stood to demand immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Kulgam MLA, MY Tarigami CPI(M) urged BJP members to also chant for restoration of statehood and said, “Two years have passed but the promise of statehood has not been fulfilled.” Senior NC leader and MLA from Khanyar, Ali Mohammad Sagar, led the treasury benches in chanting for restoration of statehood while raising anti-BJP slogans.

In response, Speaker Mr. Rather called on the BJP MLAs to return to their seats and warned that action would be taken against them. “Gunda gardi nahi chalegi” (Hooliganism will not be tolerated), he said.

Congress MLAs joined in, raising anti-Centre slogans and chanting, “Vote chor sarkaar ko ek dhakka aur do” (Give the vote-stealing government another push). As the unrest continued, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the government was ready to address all opposition issues.

“But they should ask one by one. We are ready to respond to all problems. But it is clear that they are not concerned with public welfare, that is their true face, revealed in front of the people,” declared the deputy minister.

Published – 21 Sep 2026 11:47 IST