Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD): The first piece of legislation introduced by the National Conference (NC)-led government in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly sparked protests today with opposition leader Sajad Gani Lone walking out in strong opposition.
As Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tabled the Jammu & Kashmir Goods and Services (Amendment) Act 2025, Lone objected, arguing that the bill effectively legitimised J&K’s Union Territory (UT) status. “This amounts to endorsing the conversion of Jammu & Kashmir into a UT. I refuse to be part of this wrongdoing,” he stated before exiting the chamber.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para also raised objections to the bill. A key amendment introduced by the NC-led government replaces the term “Government of Jammu & Kashmir” with “Government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir” in the GST law.
Following Lone’s departure, CM Omar Abdullah responded by saying, “The reality is that Jammu & Kashmir is a Union Territory.” Despite opposition resistance, the bill was passed via a voice vote, with backing from NC, Congress, and their allies.(DD)
