Srinagar, Feb 09: A sharp political confrontation unfolded outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday after Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma alleged that the National Conference (NC) had a role in the abrogation of Article 370, drawing a fierce rebuttal from NC legislator Salman Sagar.
Addressing reporters, Sharma claimed that developments surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 were “not entirely one‑sided” and asserted that the NC helped facilitate the move. He also alleged that sweets were distributed in Salman Sagar’s constituency to celebrate the decision, an assertion he made in the presence of Sagar, who was interacting with journalists nearby.
Calling Sagar “my friend and brother,” Sharma said the truth would eventually surface, adding that many political realities of that period were known to insiders.
The comments immediately drew a strong reaction from the Hazratbal legislator, who termed the allegations “baseless.” “Whatever the LoP is saying is a bunch of lies, rather a part of Israeli politics. They are playing divisive politics, communal politics and the politics of hatred,” Salman said.
Counter-attacking, the NC leader accused the BJP and PDP of damaging the region’s interests. “PDP and BJP are friends and continue to be the same. PDP brought BJP to Jammu and Kashmir despite promising otherwise. These parties ruined J&K and its resources were looted,” he said, alleging that the alliance compromised Kashmiri interests for political gains.
The exchange created a brief spectacle outside the Assembly premises, with both leaders addressing reporters simultaneously, underscoring the continuing political fault lines in Jammu and Kashmir over the legacy and aftermath of Article 370’s abrogation.
