Pandemonium in Assembly over Billawar killings, Gulmarg fashion show

Jammu, Mar 10: The Legislative Assembly on Monday witnessed uproarious scenes and heated exchanges over civilian killings in Kathua and an objectionable fashion show in Gulmarg.
As soon as the House assembled Monday morning, NC and Congress MLAs stood up and demanded discussion over Billawar killings and condemnation of assault on MLA Bani Dr. Rameshwar Singh.
Amid the commotion in the House, MLA Bani Dr. Rameshwar Singh, who was assaulted on Saturday night at Billawar where he had gone to meet families of the deceased civilians, tried to storm into the Well of the House but was stopped by the Marshals from entering into it.
The Speaker repeatedly asked NC and Congress members to take their seats but they continued with their protests.
Amid commotion in the House, MLA Kupwara Mir Muhammad Fayaz demanded stringent action against the organisers of the objectionable fashion show in Gulmarg.
“They should be taken to task,” he demanded and accused the NC and BJP of stifling the voice of the opposition in the House.
Pointing to the Treasury and Opposition Benches, Mir said, ‘One(NC) of them is ruling here, and the other( BJP) is ruling in New Delhi.'”
As disruptions continued in the House, the Speaker said he has received two adjournment motions over Billawar killings and assault on MLA Bani.
He said the House cannot discuss the Billawar killings, stating that the matters fall outside the domain of the Assembly. He cited Section 32 of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act-2019, under which “police” and “public order” fall outside the domain of the Assembly.
“The LG has already ordered an inquiry into the matter,” he said.
The Speaker also said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already ordered an inquiry into the fashion show. “This cannot be discussed as matters under inquiry cannot be taken up in the House,” he added.
The Speaker said the House condemns the assault on MLA Bani Dr. Rameshwar Singh and a thorough inquiry should be held into it. (KNO)