Interruptions, verbal spars during discussion on Motion of Thanks
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 5: Brief interruptions and verbal spars between the ruling National Conference and opposition BJP members were witnessed during second day of discussion in the Legislative Assembly on Motion of Thanks on Lt Governor’s address.
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As BJP MLA Surjit Singh Slathia, in his speech, said that abrogation of Article 370 has brought a new dawn of development in Jammu and Kashmir, some National Conference members stood up from their seats and retorted that nothing was done on ground.
Mir Saifullah and others countered Slathia’s assertion while Vikram Randhawa and other BJP MLAs joined the verbal dual in support of their party colleague.
Nazir Gurezi of NC claimed that Slathia would also admit in private that abrogation of Article 370 has done nothing good for the J&K.
Defending his assertion, Slathia listed the developmental works done in Jammu and Kashmir during the last 10 years and credited Modi Government for taking rail to Kashmir. Even as he praised the efforts of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah and his intentions, the BJP MLA also drew attention towards non-fulfilment of promises made by NC in the party manifesto.
Ali Mohd Sagar, while participating in the discussion, accused the BJP of misleading people in name of religion and alleged that whenever some positive initiatives for peace with the neighbouring country or greater autonomy to J&K were taken, the saffron party created hurdles.
“No doubt Pakistan is a failed state but we have to take them on board for peace in the region,” he said and also accused BJP of projecting Ikhwanis as their workers and supporters in Kashmir.
On this, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma stood from his seat and reminded the NC leader that Omar Abdullah was part of the Union Cabinet, which had rejected the Resolution for Greater Autonomy to J&K. He also reminded that Javed Shah (once a prominent Ikhwan leader) was National Conference legislator in 2004 and Farooq Abdullah had addressed a joint rally with Ikhwan supremo Kuka Parrey.
Dr Basheer Ahmad Veeri of National Conference, in his address, claimed that people gave mandate to NC for restoration of J&K’s rights, which were forcibly snatched from them in August 2019.
“MLAs from Jammu also admit in private that wrong was done by abrogating Article 370. Only those who switched side to RSS ideology are making more noise,” he said in an apparent reference to Slathia, who was earlier with National Conference.
Veeri also talked about the Indus Water Treaty saying that it prevents Jammu and Kashmir from utilizing the water’s full potential for Hydel Power generation. He also deliberated about the issue of filling up of all vacancies in the Government departments besides other developmental needs of people.
Nizamuddin Bhat of Congress, in his speech, stressed for taking strong and collective initiatives for restoration of Statehood. He suggested that the House should nominate an all party delegation or a panel that would present the case to the Union Government.
“It is Constitutionally imperative on the Union Government to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and respect their promises made on the floor of the Parliament,” he added and urged the Chief Minister to lead the initiative to meet PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard.
Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir of NC claimed that public had given mandate to NC and Omar for restoration of statehood as well as dignity to J&K. He also talked on unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir saying that concrete steps need to be taken for creating employment opportunities for the people here.
Shamima Firdous of NC alleged that downgrading of J&K’s status to a Union Territory was not a sudden decision but a well planned design to implement a specific agenda.
She further alleged that people of Kashmir, particularly youth and children were being terrorized through PSA, UAPA etc, which was leading to mental disorder among young generation. She urged the Chief Minister to meet Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for release of Kashmiri youth lodged in jails.
Rajeev Jasrotia of BJP reminded the Government of the promises made in the manifesto that were supposed to be fulfilled within the first three months. He said that certain issues in the manifesto were missing in the Lieutenant Governor’s address.
Highlighting the initiatives taken by BJP led Government and maintaining that the party would work as a responsible opposition for the welfare of people, he also praised Omar Abdullah Government for taking into confidence all stakeholders and elected representatives before formulation of the budget.
Waheed Para of PDP, while participating in the debate, urged the Chief Minister to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth lodged in jails. “How can we talk of good governance when our people are lodged in jails?” he said and stressed for passing a resolution in this regard by the House.
Participating in the debate, Javaid Riyaz, said that we should work collectively for restoration of Statehood.
Irfan Hafeez Lone said that it is good that the Government is committed for full restoration of Statehood. He hoped that Omar Abdullah would live up to this expectation of the people. “When we are on the same page, we should take a united front for restoration of Statehood,” he added and also talked about the issue of casual labours, free electricity, return of power projects, sustainable development and protection of fragile environment etc.
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