The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Tuesday witnessed uproar as the Opposition People's Democratic Party demanded an adjournment of the House on “continued arrest of youth in Kashmir.”
As the House began, PDP members led by Mehbooba Mufti raised the issue of adjournment saying they had given notice to Speaker. Shouting slogans against the government they demanded a discussion on “continued crackdown on youth in Kashmir.” As the Speaker refused to entertain them and began question hour, the PDP members started moving towards the well. However, marshals stopped them, which led to a scuffle.
Member injured
In the melee, Zulfilkar Chowdhary sustained minor injuries in the face. An infuriated Opposition said “this is death of democracy.” Ms. Mufti even went to the extent of calling the Speaker “Qadhafi,” charging him with adopting a “dictatorial attitude”. The PDP members later walked out.
Protest against BJP remark
The House again witnessed ruckus when Ashok Khajuria (BJP) said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir would not change “unless Islamic fundamentalism is crushed.”
This evoked strong reaction from both the treasury and Opposition benches. Minister for Science and Technology Agha Ruhulla took on Mr. Khajuria and asked him to tender an unconditional apology.
Speaker M.A. Lone ordered that the member's remarks be expunged and said he himself, as a Muslim, was hurt by what Mr. Khajuria said. “I am first a Muslim then a Speaker, I cannot tolerate this,” he said.
