Jammu: Members of the coalition government in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir Assembly staged a protest outside the Assembly, voicing their opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act after a session turned tumultuous and was adjourned by the Speaker.

According to Kashmir Media Service, legislators from the National Conference, Congress, CPI-M, and some Independents conducted a sit-in at the Assembly’s entry gate. The protest was directed against the BJP-led government in New Delhi, which the coalition accuses of bypassing constitutional processes.

Altaf Kaloo, a National Conference member, criticized the BJP’s actions in the Assembly. “BJP resorted to manhandling in the House. They raised religious slogans. We reminded them that this is not a wrestling ring. We are here to raise constitutional issues,” Kaloo stated to reporters.

Kaloo further expressed frustration over the lack of dialogue on the new law, citing a precedent from the Tamil Nadu Assembly, where a resolution was passed despite Muslims being a minority. He questioned the reluctance to hold discussions in a region with a Muslim majority.

The Speaker dismissed the motion to debate the issue, leading CPI-M member M Y Tarigami to call for unity against the BJP’s political strategies.

Congress member Irfan Hafeez Lone also protested, brandishing a banner opposing the Act and staging his demonstration at the House’s staircase. Earlier, Lone had displayed a banner inside the House labeling the BJP as “supporters of Nathuram Godse,” in a bid to highlight their discontent with the legislation.