SRINAGAR, Sept 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed noisy scenes on Tuesday after National Conference (NC) MLA Abdul Majeed Larmi demanded that either the holiday on the birth anniversary of NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah be restored or the holiday on the anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh be cancelled.
The demand, raised soon after the House assembled, drew strong opposition from BJP members, who protested and raised slogans. BJP MLA Devayani Rana said the holiday on Maharaja Hari Singh‘s anniversary would not be cancelled.
Backing Larmi, NC MLA Nazir Gurezi said Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a people’s leader and supported the demand for a holiday on his anniversary. NC chief whip Mubarak Gul said restoration of the holiday was the party’s stand.
The PDP also supported the demand. However, PDP MLA Waheed Para said his party also wanted the holiday on July 13 restored in memory of those killed while protesting against the Maharaja’s rule. NC members backed Para’s demand.
As the uproar continued, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather urged members to maintain order and said such issues could be discussed according to the rules of the House. He said the Government must receive proper notice before responding to issues raised by members.
BJP MLA Surjit Singh Slathia said his party wanted the Assembly to function and sought answers from the Government on issues raised by the Opposition. Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat also called for consensus and said disorder would not be allowed.
The BJP members subsequently staged a walkout, raising slogans against the Government.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to a listed question after BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa remained in the House following the walkout. Abdullah praised Randhawa for staying back, while Randhawa clarified that he had returned to hear the Chief Minister’s response.
The Assembly also witnessed a separate disruption when AAP MLA Mehraj Malik sought to raise the issue of amnesty for electricity consumers. After he was not permitted to speak, Malik staged a walkout.
Speaker Rather later urged all members to maintain decorum in the House. (Agencies)