Srinagar, Sep 21 (KNS) : The National Conference (NC) on Monday pressed for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as the autumn session of the Legislative Assembly opened amid noisy protests by members of several parties.

NC legislators raised the demand that the promise of restoring statehood be honoured, making it a central issue during the proceedings. Their protest was part of a wider wave of disruptions as BJP, Congress and CPI(M) members also raised separate demands.

BJP legislators displayed posters seeking justice for NHM employees, rollback of power tariff and regularisation of daily wagers, while Congress members raised the slogan "Paper leak sarkaar ko ek dhakka aur do.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel" CPI(M) legislator Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also participated in raising issues.

The protests and slogan-shouting led to a face-off among members and disrupted the House proceedings. The Speaker directed that the protest should not be recorded in the proceedings and should not be reported.

The 7-day session began on Monday, with statehood identified as a key issue for the ruling alliance. (KNS)