By Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Mar 13: The much publicized multi-crore Jammu Kashmir Cricket Association scam rocked the Upper House of the Legislature as the heated exchanges between National Conference and PDP members, protests and continued sloganeering disturbed the proceedings, forcing Chairman to adjourn the House amidst complete pandemonium and uproar today.
It happened not only once but twice that too during the `Question Hour’ and the repeated efforts of Chairman of the House, Amrit Malhotra failed to restore order in the House of Elders. Today National Conference members took the lead and dominated the opposition PDP members, seeking privilege motion against the PDP member Murtaza Ahmed Khan for his remarks against the former J&K Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah. The NC members pressed for the directions from the `Chair’ against PDP member.
The trouble started in the Legislative Council, immediately after the House commenced its scheduled business with ‘Question Hour’ at 11 am. The Chairman asked the lone NPP member, Syed Mohd Rafiq Shah to raise his question regarding encroachment on Forest land. The Minister incharge Mian Altaf was there in the House to reply. National Conference member Devinder Singh Rana stood up and pleaded the Chairman, seeking privilege motion against the PDP member, Mr Khan for his remarks against Dr Farooq Abdullah. All the NC members including Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy, Javid Rana, Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, Vijay Bakaya, Master Noor Hussain, DS Oberoi, Dr Bashir Ahmed Veeri and Ghulam Qadir Pardesi joined Devinder Singh Rana and pressed for the ruling from the `Chair’.
Mr Rana further pleaded the Chairman to save the House from becoming a ‘fish market’ and ensuring the sanctity of the House. He said Dr Abdullah has nothing to do with the proceedings here and his name was being wrongly dragged into the issue. He is not the member of this house and he was not here to defend him. Therefore, it was most unfair to raise allegations against him since he was unable to defend himself. Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and Suhrawardy raised the issue of the killings of the, Mirwaiz and Ghulam Nabi Lone. Pointing towards PDP members Mr Sadhotra shouted, “Mera Moonh Mat Khulwaiye. Hum Katilana Siyasat Mein Yakin Nahin Rakhte, …. Mirwaiz Aur Gulam Nabi Lone Ko Kis Ne Mara, Is Pe Bhi Inquiry Honi Chahiye,’’ he shouted.
These remarks further irked the PDP members and then Ashraf Mir, Murataza Ahmed Khan and Nizamuddin Khatana opened salvo against the NC. They alleged that every body knows about the ‘killer’ of Haji Yousuf. Aap Kab Tak Bacha Payoge Katilon Ko, Bahut Zor Laga Rahe Ho Bachane Ke Liye Lekin Sachai Logon Ke Samne Tao Aa Hi Jayegi’’. Both the sides continued to fire salvo on each other and the process of allegations and counter- allegations continued.
The NPP member was raising question and reply papers, repeatedly pleading the members to allow him to raise issue of Gujjars and Bakerwals. Since both the sides were busy in raising allegations and counter-allegations nothing was audible at all. He got furious and agitated and alleged that entire House has been taken for a ride. It has turned into fish market and he is not being allowed to raise question. Then he moved towards the Chairman with the help of his stick and laid down in the main passage on the floor, just closer to the `Well’ in front of Chairman, raising slogans,“ Tana Shahi Nahin Chalegi , Goondagardi Nahin Chalegi, Hai Hai Ji Hai Hai……’’ and so on. It was a total chaos and confusion prevailing in the House. On the direction of the Chairman, Rafiq Shah was marshaled out while laying on the floor. The Chairman then adjourned the House for half an hour at around 11.13 am.
As the House resumed the business at 11.43 am again, the NC members led by Mr Sadhotra and Devinder Rana pressed for the privilege motion and sought ruling from the Chairman. The Chairman said that they should raise the issue after Question Hour or move prior notice in this regard. Mr Rana then claimed that he had already moved privilege notice in this regard. The Chairman however, said that he has not received it. “Let me examine and then I will be able to take decision,’’ he added.
All the NC members pressed for the immediate ruling on the issue and moved towards the Well. Rafiq Shah had stood again with his question. Then he started raising slogans, “Gujron Aur Paharhiyon Ke Dushman, Hai Hai, …….’’. It was complete uproar in the House again. The NC members moved more closer to the Well pressing for privilege motion and raising medium slogans. Amidst uproar and noise, the Chairman then adjourned the House for the rest of the day at 11.50 am.
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