J&K assembly rejects Permanent Resident Bill

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly on Friday rejected the controversial Permanent Resident (Disqualification) Bill with a voice vote.

The Bill sought to deny women of property rights if they married men from outside the state.

The Bill was defeated amidst uproarious scenes with the opposition National Conference alleging that Speaker Tara
Chand, who cut short the discussion by putting the Bill to vote, had not followed proper procedure.

The ruling People's Democratic Party, opposition National Conference and the Communist Party of India with a combined strength of 46 supported the Bill. The Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party, Panthers Party and several Independents opposed it.

As the speaker announced the rejection of the Bill, NC legislators rushed to the well of the House shouting slogans
against the chair and the PDP-led government.