The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday witnessed a heated uproar over the recent civilian killings in Kathua and an allegedly obscene fashion show held at Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramzan.
As soon as the question hour commenced, National Conference (NC) and Congress MLAs rose to their feet, demanding a discussion on the killing of three civilians in Billawar.
Amid the uproar, MLA Bani Dr Rameshwar Singh, who was assaulted on Saturday night in Billawar, attempted to storm into the Well of the House but was restrained by marshals.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly urged NC members to maintain decorum and ordered them to take their seats. However, members of the ruling dispensation persisted with their protests.
During the commotion, MLA Kupwara Mir Muhammad Fayaz called for strict action against the organisers of the controversial fashion show in Gulmarg.
Addressing the uproar, the Speaker informed the House that the Billawar killings could not be discussed as the matter fell outside the Assembly’s jurisdiction.
He cited Section 32 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which places police and public order under the direct purview of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
“The LG has already ordered an inquiry into the matter,” he stated.
Also read: Kathua killings: A Conspiracy to spoil peace, says Singh
Regarding the fashion show, the Speaker further informed members that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had already initiated an inquiry.
“This cannot be discussed as matters under inquiry cannot be taken up in the House,” he added.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that “there was no government infrastructure involved in the fashion show organised at Gulmarg and that it was an entirely private affair.”
He said the administration had been instructed to investigate whether the organisers had violated any laws.
“They have been told that the matter should be handed over to the police if any violation has been done,” he added.
Abdullah also questioned the decision to allow Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to visit Kathua while denying permission to the Deputy Chief Minister.
The fashion show at Gulmarg has sparked widespread public outrage over its timing during the holy month of Ramzan.
The Speaker further condemned the assault on MLA Bani Dr Rameshwar Singh and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Follow us
