Jammu, Mar 3 (PTI) After a hiatus of seven years, the 40-day-long Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly commenced on Monday, evoking expressions of satisfaction from MLAs.

Many legislators emphasised the need to restore statehood to empower the legislature.

The last Budget Session was held in February-March 2018, marking the second Assembly session since the formation of the National Conference (NC)-led government in the Union Territory (UT). Previously, the Assembly was convened in Srinagar from November 4 to 8 last year, shortly after the government's formation.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the legislature on the session's first day, highlighting the historic significance of this Budget as the first in over seven years introduced by an elected government in the region.

"It symbolises the people's power, as it is prepared by their chosen representatives," Sinha said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged members to engage constructively, emphasising that a robust session strengthens democracy.

"As the month-long Budget Session of the J&K Legislative Assembly begins today, I urge all members to engage constructively, raise issues that matter to the people and make the most of this opportunity," he said on X.

Leader of the Congress Legislative Party Ghulam Ahmed Mir expressed optimism about the session, hoping for fruitful discussions benefitting both the region and the government.

"We hope that it will not only be fruitful for the people of the region but also for the government and this House, which is expected to see good discussions," he said.

CPI(M) chief Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami welcomed the session's start, anticipating productive discussions following the LG's address.

"We are happy that it has begun after a long time. The LG has addressed the members and discussions on his address will follow.

"It will be a productive session. People have expectations and it will be beneficial for them," he added.

Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma of the BJP expressed high expectations for the session's productivity, citing positive initial engagements.

Sharma criticised the protest by Langate MLA over civilian killings, saying he should prioritise constituency development instead of engaging in "anti-national and separatist rhetoric".

Congress MLA Tariq Hameed Karra reiterated the demand for J-K to regain statehood, while NC MLA Mubarak Gul hoped that this Assembly would see the raising of local issues by the legislators as the Budget Session has started after a long time.

"We are very positive about the session. It will generate healthy discussion and find solutions to people's demands," he said.

Carrying a banner, Independent MLA Sheikh Khursheed Ahmed, brother of jailed Lok Sabha MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, held a protest on Monday on the Assembly premises, demanding justice for the families of two recently killed individuals in Kathua and Sopore as well as the restoration of Article 370 and statehood.

The 40-day session will comprise 22 sittings, including reserved days for private members' resolutions and bills. Following a 12-day recess from March 26 to April 6, the session will resume with further legislative activities.

Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, will present the Budget on March 7. The session will conclude on April 11.

This marks J-K's first Budget Session as a UT following the previous practice of parliamentary budget presentations in the absence of a legislative assembly. PTI AB KSS KSS

Restoration of statehood sought as Budget Session resumes, driving debate over Article 370 and legislative priorities. The 40-day Budget Session, opened by the Lieutenant Governor and with the Chief Minister presenting the budget, provides a procedural framework including reserved days for private members' resolutions and bills, a scheduled recess, and resumption for further legislative activity. Legislators pressed for restoration of statehood and reinstatement of Article 370, raised constituency-development criticisms, and staged in-assembly protests seeking justice for recent killings, framing the session's political and legal priorities.