Srinagar, Sep 25: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday criticised the BJP and Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma over their opposition to references to autonomy and Article 370 in the statehood resolution moved in the J&K Legislative Assembly.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar said the issue of restoration of statehood had remained pending despite the completion of delimitation and Assembly elections. He said people of Jammu and Kashmir had been promised a three-step process involving delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood, with the first two steps having already been completed. 

Omar said the government had repeatedly reminded the Centre about its commitment to restore full statehood and maintained that the Assembly resolution was intended to reinforce that demand.

The Chief Minister also took exception to the BJP's opposition to the resolution, particularly its reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution. BJP legislators have said they are ready to debate restoration of statehood but will oppose any discussion on Article 370 or the autonomy resolution. 

The dispute over the references led to heated exchanges in the Assembly on Friday, with BJP members entering the Well of the House and raising slogans. The proceedings were subsequently disrupted amid the continuing protests. 

Omar has maintained that Jammu and Kashmir wants full statehood and has urged the Assembly to deliberate on the issue and forward its resolution to the Government of India.