The Budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly commenced on Monday, with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressing the House.
It marks the first Budget session in seven years as the region had been without an elected government since 2018.
A day earlier, the political landscape of the region witnessed a flurry of meetings with both the ruling and opposition parties intensifying their efforts to formulate strategies to navigate crucial legislative discussions and assert their position.
The session is expected to witness heated debates as some vital bills, like the Jammu and Kashmir Prohibition of Alcohol and Regularization & Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Public Land Bill are set to be tabled.
LG Sinha, in his address, said that the economy of Jammu and Kashmir had witnessed a significant growth in recent years.
“Key indicators like rising GSPD, infrastructural advancements and improved social economic indices reflected this growth”, Sinha said.
He, however, said that challenges like rising unemployment, regional disparities and sustainable development needed to be addressed.
Sinha said that the government would continue to work on various reforms to strengthen the fiscal position of Jammu and Kashmir.
On statehood
“One of the foremost aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is the restoration of full statehood. My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing this legitimate desire of the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir”, Sinha said.
He said that the government recognizes the emotional and political significance of the statehood for the people and is actively engaging with all stakeholders to facilitate this process in a manner that ensures peace, stability, and progress.
Protest
As the Lieutenant Governor began his address, Awami Itehad Party (AIP) legislator Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad staged a protest over the recent civilian deaths in the Baramulla and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Carrying a placard, the legislator tried to enter the Central Hall, but was subsequently marshalled out of the House.
“Give justice to the families of Makhan Din and Waseem”, Ahmad raised the slogans as LG Sinha exited the House after his address.
On February 5, Waseem Ahmad Mir, a resident of Baramulla’s Sopore area was killed by the Army after he allegedly jumped a check post. Another resident from Kathua died by suicide after allegedly facing torture by the police.
The legislator also demanded the restoration of the special constitutional position of the region and release of political prisoners.