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| Bedlam in LA over withdrawal of security cover of ex-MLA | | Opposition accuses govt of 'vindictiveness'; Verbal clash between Gul, Ansari | |
EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Mar 27: The issue of withdrawal of security cover of a former MLA today led to pandemonium and noisy scenes in State Legislative Assembly with the Opposition parties accusing the ruling National Conference of pursuing the policy of "witch-hunting" and "vindictiveness" towards them.
Amid the pandemonium, which disrupted the proceedings for half an hour during Zero Hour, the House also witnessed verbal clash between National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party legislators.
The trouble erupted at the very outset of the question hour this morning when PDP legislators, Abdul Rehman Veeri and Nizam-ud-Din Bhat raised the issue of withdrawal of security of an ex-MLA, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir in Kashmir Valley. Mir had recently resigned from the NC and joined the PDP. He is presently the district Pulwama president of the PDP.
Demanding restoration of security of the legislator, they said the government should make a statement over the issue.
Soon after the question hour at 10:31 a.m, all the PDP members were on their feet and alleged that the government has deliberately withdrawn the security cover and that too, on "political vendetta".
"Are you going to restore the security cover of former MLA? Do you want him (former MLA) to be killed in the absence of security cover? The government would be responsible in case of any misfortune with former legislator of this House," Veeri shouted.
Other PDP legislators, who were also on their toes, criticized the state government for endangering the life of ex-MLA. After getting no response from treasury benches, they got infuriated and moved towards the front row at 10:30 a.m.
The Speaker, Mohammad Akbar Lone tried to pacify the agitating members saying "You have been raising this issue for the last several days. I share your concern."
Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar remarked, "Inko Kahiye Apni Jagah Par Jayen (Ask them to take their seats)" which was objected by the PDP members.
The Speaker said, "Veeri Sahib Kabhi Kabhi Chutkale Bhi Chalte Hai……. Aap Bura Mat Maniye (Veeri Sahib, sometimes jokes are made in the House…. Don't feel offended)."
He, however, maintained, "It is serious issue and Khawaja Mir Hussain was the former member of this House. His father became the victim of militancy and he (Mir) has also been attacked several times and terror threats are imminent for him. He is also close friend of mine."
Though the Speaker shared concern with the PDP legislators, they continued to create uproar in the House demanding immediate restoration of security cover of the ex-MLA.
The Speaker asked, "Does the government have completely withdrawn his security cove? Does he moving without single PSO?"
All the PDP legislators loudly said, "Yes, his security cover has completely been withdrawn by the government."
The Speaker asked the PDP members to take their respective seats. Veeri again shouted, "Yeh Insaaf Ka Takaja Hai, Rules Ka Takaja Hai Ke Jo Iss House Ka Member Raha Ho Usse Security Dena Government Ki Responsibility Hai. Agar Usko Kuch Ho Gaya To Kaun Responsible Hoga………"
Sagar, who literally got furious after the remarks of PDP legislator, said "Veeri Sahib Zada Haath Mat Chalaiye. You are a senior member of this House because you know well about the Home Department. The security cover provided to legislators and VVIPs are reviewed after every six months. We have taken the notice of the issue raised by the Opposition members and we will review the decision."
The Minister further remarked, "This is just a question of the security of former legislator. Aapke Waqt Main To Humare Sitting MLA Ki Security Withdraw Kar Di Gaye Thi (The security of our sitting MLA was withdrawn during your regime). But, we will ask our DG and ADG (CID) to look into the matter."
The PDP legislator, Nizam-ud-Bhat retorted, "It was not a periodical security review. The security has been withdrawn on political considerations."
Another firebrand PDP leader, Javed Mustafa Mir shouted, "Aap Written Main De Dejiye Ke Aap Security Nahi De Sakte (Give us in writing that the government doesn't provide security)."
Pressing for an assurance from the Minister for security cover to former MLA, the agitating members further moved towards the front row.
Former Minister and CPI (M), MY Tarigami intervened and said, "The father of former legislator was assassinated by the militants. Restoration of security cover should not be a prestige issue and it should be far from political considerations. The Government should assure members that the security cover would be restored for ex-legislator."
Javed Mustafa Mir, who had virtually entered the Well of the House, remarked, "Kisi Ke Naak Main Machchar Jata To Yeh Usko Bhi Security De Dete Hai."
Veteran PDP legislator, Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari alleged, "Security of person should not be on political lines. Former legislator was a leader of the National Conference and later he joined the PDP. It is indigestible for the ruling party."
"Andar Kya Hai Pata Nahi, Bahar Yahi Sunne Ko Milta Hai. His security was withdrawn after he had lodged a protest against the Chief Minister at Pulwama. The government should shed off this vindictive approach and security must be restored for former MLA."
"Aap Ki Taraf Se Bhi Kuch Log Marte, Kuch Yaha Se Bhi Marte Hai. Aap Sham Tak Security Dete Hai Ya Nahi Aur Agar Aap Kehte Hai Ke Unko Koi Threat Nahi To Hum Maan Lete Hai," he remarked.
The Speaker, while pointing fingers towards Moulvi Hussain, said "Aap Ne Iss Baat Ko Itna Lamba Kheecha Hai To Main Aap Se Kahu. If we go to any part of the State without security cover we are not safe. Provision of security cover for an individual depends on degree. Iss Main Degrees Hoti Hai. Jeetni Moulvi Hussain Ko Threat Hai, Utni Shayad Kisi Aur Ko Nahi Hogi. Iss Tuul Dena Thek Nahi."
The PDP leader retorted, "He is already in Y category and is under militants' threat." The Speaker again countered and said, "There is no pick and choose policy. I must tell you that Abdul Ahad Vakil, who was the former Speaker and Revenue Minister, has been provided one PSO and he is more important than former legislator. On this account you cannot target the government for pick and choose policy."
Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain said, "Yeh Government Galat Kar Rahi Hai. Usne Pulwama Main Protest Kiya To Uski Security Withdraw Karli. Yeh Chief Minister To Meri Gadi Ki Light Bardash Nahi Kar Paya (the government is doing wrong. He protested in Pulwama and his security was withdrawn. This Chief Minister even did not tolerate red light on my vehicle)."
His remarks was vociferously countered by Chief Whip of National Conference, Mubarak Gul and soon a verbal duel was broke out in the House with both the leaders exchanging heated arguments.
Amid the pandemonium, the legislators of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) and Jammu State Morcha (JSM) joined the PDP demanding restoration of security to the former legislator at 10:55 a.m.
Harsh Dev Singh, Leader of Panthers Legislature Party, said "The Government should stop this witch-haunting policy and security of former legislator should immediately be restored. We strongly oppose withdrawal of security of person who was the member of this House."
"Yeh Purae House Ka Concern Hai. Har Bar Aap Sarkar Main Nahi Rahege," Harsh remarked.
He was followed by BJP legislator, Ashok Khajuria who said, "Elected representatives are not at the sweet-will of the government. The legislator had worked with me and was the member of this House in 1996."
"Jab Woh Aapke Saath Tha To Chashme Badur Tha Aur Jab Unse PDP Ke Saath.... Government Ko Yeh Sweet-Will Ko Khatam Karna Chahiye," Khajuria stated. He also castigated the government for not providing security cover to state BJP president.
In a last bid to pacify the agitating members, the Speaker while directing for restoring normalcy said, "Now this is my verdict. This is my decision that the ADG (CID) would review the security requirement for the former legislator and would communicate to him."
Ansari further said, "Vakil Sahib Aapne Vague Rakha Hai……."
The Speaker remarked, "I am very serious in maintaining decorum in the House. I will not go by your dictates. I have to apply my mind and my ADG (CID) is there and he would reconsider the decision." It was only after the Speaker's assurance ambience restored in the House.
Later, Mubarak Gul stood up from his seat and said, "Jo Moulana Sahib Ne Kaha…. Mujhe Pura Haq Hai Ke Main Kaya Hoon Aur Kaya Nahi. Inho Ne Chief Minister Ko Target………"
Sharply reacting to the Gul's remarks, the Speaker said, "Chief Minister Ko Na Aap Se Certificate Lene Ki Zaroorat Hai Aur Na Inse……………"
The Opposition members appreciated the Speaker's remarks with the thumping of benches.
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