The Opposition National Conference (NC) continued to boycott the ongoing Budget session of Jammu & Kashmir legislature despite revocation of suspension of its four legislators whose entry to legislature was barred following their unruly behaviour on Tuesday. The NC legislators led by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah staged sit-in within the Assembly premises.
CM Mufti Muhammad Sayeed and a host of Opposition legislators had pleaded with Speaker Kavinder Gupta to revoke the suspension order for facilitating NC legislators’ re-entry into the House.
The NC announced to boycott the ongoing session on Tuesday after two of its legislators from the lower house — Altaf Wani and Majid larmi — and two from the Upper House — Ali Muhammad Dar and Showkat Ganai — were suspended. The NC legislators were demanding debate in both Houses over the threats to Article 35 A of the Constitution of India, which has been challenged by a Delhi-based group in the Supreme Court. The provision is associated with the Article 370 that guarantees special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Union of India.
Chief Minister told the House that he appreciates role of the Opposition that must “oppose, depose and expose the government”. Describing democracy as battle of ideas, he asked the Speaker to revoke the suspension order, a proposal put forth by a battery of opposition members. However, despite revocation of the suspension order in both Houses, the NC legislators did not end their boycott and continued sit-in wearing black bands.
Independent legislator protested against what he termed as government’s attempt to sabotage discussion on his bill regarding revocation of a law banning sale and possession of beef in J&K. He said his bill has been listed at serial 17 on October 8 though he was first to submit the bill. “This is clear indication that the government wants to suppress the bill and take alibi under the paucity of time”, he alleged.