Waqf Rocks J-K Assembly! Three-Hour Adjournment as Tensions Flare

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly descended into turmoil for the third straight day, forcing Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn proceedings for three hours on Wednesday.

The uproar, centered on the contentious Waqf Act, erupted as ruling National Conference (NC) members and their allies clashed with opposition BJP legislators, bringing the Budget Session—set to conclude today—to a grinding halt.

The chaos kicked off Monday when Speaker Rather rejected an adjournment motion from NC members seeking a debate on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, a decision that has since fueled back-to-back full-day adjournments. On Wednesday morning, undeterred NC lawmakers stormed the Well of the House, renewing their demand for discussion.

BJP members, led by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, countered with their own march to the Well, sparking a shouting match and a brief sit-in by some legislators.

With slogans flying and order collapsing, Rather called a recess until 1 pm. The session, which began March 3, has been derailed by the standoff, spotlighting deep divisions over the Waqf issue as its final day ticks down.