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| LA adopts resolution seeking probe into VK Singh's revelations | | 'Have already written to PM seeking probe': Omar | | Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Oct 7: Jammu and Kashmir State Legislative Assembly today passed a resolution unanimously seeking a time bound inquiry into the revelations made by the former Army chief retired General VK Singh last month about the Army funding to J&K Ministers. The House was unanimous that the revelations should by probed so that "dignity of the House is restored."
However, Speaker, Mubarak Gul reserved his ruling about the privilege motion against Singh saying "The house has adopted the resolution however I reserve my decision about the motion".
Though the discussion on General VK Singh's revelations started in a very charged atmosphere with PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti leveling serious charges against National Conference Party and its leadership for subverting the democratic institutions for petty partisan and political interests right from 1947. However, the discussion ended on a positive note with senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Baigh saying that the allegations leveled by VK Singh against the ministers and politicians was a blot on the face of democratic institutions including the parliament and the state assembly and that the demand for a thorough but credible probe into the role of VK Singh in undermining the credibility and sanctity of the democratic institutions.
The members cutting across the party lines demanded inquiry into the revelations made by VK Singh though the tone and tenor of members was different. The members who participated in the discussion include, Mehbooba Mufti and Muzaffer Hussain Baigh of PDP, Dr. Mustafa Kamaal of National Conference, Professor Chaman Lal Gupta of breakaway faction of BJP, Ashok Khajuria of BJP, Harshdev Singh of NPP, GM Saroori of Congress, MY Tarigami of CPI(M), Hakim Mohammad Yasin of PDF and Er. Rashid, independent MLA.
Though all the members demanded a thorough probe into the allegations leveled by VK Singh, Dr. Mustafa Kamaal and Er. Rashid demanded Ghulam Hasan Mir who has been named in the allegations should leave his position till he is proved innocent. This, they said, is despite the fact that Mir has denied the role that a defense committee has attributed to him.
Initiating the discussion PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said that it is a matter of serious concern because the credibility of the house is at stake. Mehbooba said the allegations that the ministers in J&K have been receiving money from the army since 1947 was a blot on the state assembly.
She said, "Once Nehru had said that we will tie Jammu and Kashmir by golden chains, we are seeing only chains."
Mehbooba naming Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir said, "The report of the defense ministry which got leaked has alleged Mir of taking huge sum."
"In July 1997, IK Gujral came to Kashmir and announced unconditional talks with militants. We all welcomed the announcement but the then chief minister on the other day denounced the PMs statement and threatened if talks are held with militants he will resign," Mehbooba said.
"PM was forced to change the statement by the then chief minister" Mehbooba said.
"VK Singh's revelation provides all of us an opportunity to correct us," Mehbooba said adding "Delhi knows our pulse and they suspect us all." "Delhi thinks that Kashmiris are power hungry and it was proved by 1975 accord," Mehbooba alleged. Dr Mustafa Kamaal today, advised Agriculture Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir to resign.
Secret defence committee report quoted by a New Delhi based newspaper had alleged that Mir had been assigned the job to topple Omar Abdullah led government and had received kickbacks for it.
Dr Kamaal said he (Mir) should leave his position till he is proved innocent. This, he said, is despite the fact that Mir has denied the role that a defense committee has attributed to him.
Speaking for the first time in the ongoing session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, senior PDP leader Muzaffar Hussain Beg today sought "credible" enquiry against retired Indian army chief, VK Singh over the claims he made against the J&K ministers.
"By issuing different statements, a retired army chief, VK Singh not only tarnished the image of an individual minister; he in fact, tarnished the image of an institution we all represent."
Earlier, MY Tarigami said the accession of the state with the union was based on the unity of ideas based on democratic system.
Harshdev Singh said the Indian army was the most decorated and most disciplined army of the country. Ashok Khajuria and Professor Chaman Lal Gupta of BJP said the matter should be investigated without dragging the name of army into it.
While winding up the discussion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealed that he has already written a letter to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh and stressed upon him to probe the issue because "the allegations have damaged the credibility of mainstream politicians of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar said that he has sought a complete inquiry of the matter. "I have written to the Prime Minister and demanded an inquiry," he said while quoting excerpts from his letter.
Stating that VK Singh's statement has shattered the respect of all the mainstream politicians, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said "We can't ignore the statement of VK Singh in which he said that J&K ministers are being paid right from independence."
Omar was concluding the discussion on VK Singh's revelations initiated earlier in the legislative assembly.
Omar said that he has not sought any explanations from his cabinet colleague Ghulam Hassan Mir, about the issue. "I did not ask because I know that no government can be toppled by mere 1.19 crore rupees," Omar said, adding "Mir has to answer to his voters.” |
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