SRINAGAR: A Congress resolution seeking a National Law University in J&K split the assembly on regional lines Wednesday, with National Conference (NC) pushing for its establishment in Srinagar and BJP arguing against naming any location.After CM Omar Abdullah announced interim arrangements to begin classes next financial year in temporary facilities at Ompora near Srinagar airport, the resolution won unanimous support from all parties — BJP, Congress, NC, PDP — and independents. But outside the assembly, BJP demanded his resignation, accusing him of breaching the model code of conduct for the Budgam bypolls on Nov 11.Congress member Nizamuddin Bhat moved the resolution proposing the law university in Srinagar. NC’s Hilal Ahmad Lone suggested Bandipora in north Kashmir.BJP legislators objected to specifying any site, saying the Centre should decide. NC members countered that key national institutes like IIT and IIM were already allotted to Jammu, though the central university had been split earlier after regional protests.“Jammu already enjoys better connectivity and proximity to Delhi, while Kashmir often remains cut off during winters,” said NC’s Mir Saifullah, contending the valley deserved the institution. Sajjad Shaheen proposed Banihal, midway between Jammu and Kashmir, as a compromise site. A member from Poonch urged locating it in the border district.As tempers rose, NC’s Nazir Gurezi appealed to end the recurring Jammu-versus-Kashmir sparring.Minutes later, BJP legislators stepped outside the assembly and accused the CM of violating the model code in force for Budgam assembly bypolls. “We are filing a complaint with EC and demand the CM’s resignation on moral grounds,” BJP’s Sunil Sharma told reporters.
