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| Food Minister cornered by PDP MLA over shortage of ration in Lolab | | Black robe with inscribed problem helps grab attention of House | | Kunal Shrivatsa
JAMMU, Mar 12: The People's Democratic Party (PDP) MLA from Lolab in Kupwara district, Abdul Haq Khan today sprung a surprise in the lower House of the State Legislature as he entered the Assembly wearing a black gown in protest against the alleged shortage of ration in his constituency.
In what could be seen as unique way of lodging the protest against government 'apathy' towards Lolab area, the PDP MLA Khan wearing a black apron with a slogan imprinted on it, which reads "People Want Ration, Give Them Ration" began to raise the issue of scarcity and alleged denial of ration to the people of his constituency.
As soon as the House assembled for Question Hour, the shouting PDP MLA moved towards the well and stood near it before demonstrating in front of the Speaker's chair
He said, "My people are starving for ration but unfortunately they are being denied of one of the most essential commodities to survive. There is acute shortage of ration in my area. What the government is doing? I seek an explanation."
Criticizing Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon, the MLA alleged that the Minister's claims of plenty of ration in Lolab area are not true. In reality people are facing acute shortage of ration and the department is not paying any heed towards their grievances.
In response to the PDP member's objections, the Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone ruled that government would come up with a reply over the issue as soon as the Question Hour gets over.
However, the PDP legislator Haq Khan expressing dissatisfaction started raising slogans and trooped into the well of the House, where he staged a peaceful sit in for at least five minutes.
In the meantime, several PDP members urged Haq Khan to lift the dharna and reoccupy his seat. MLA Khan paid heed to the advice of his party colleagues and soon got back to his seat, but only on the condition that he would again raise the issue during Zero Hour.
Meanwhile, the CAPD Minister Akhoon responded to the MLA's accusations by saying that there is adequate ration supply to Lolab area and denied any scarcity.
"The supply line to Lolab constituency has already exceeded the 'excess quota' and there is no shortage." Akhoon said.
However, the senior PDP leader Abdul Rehman Veeri taking a dig at the Minister's remarks said, "Its too much…. The CAPD Minister has made such statements on several occasions but nothing is visible on ground. The department should take immediate measures to provide ration to the people."
The Speaker, however, directed the Minister to get all the information including supply and distribution of ration in Lolab constituency from concerned District Development Commissioner and make a statement in the House on Monday.
As soon as the Zero Hour began, Haq Khan once again raised the issue of ration shortage in his area.
The PDP legislator got up from his seat shouting loudly and stood in the aisle for sometime before staging a walkout from House.
"I am not satisfied over the reply….. The Government is misleading the House," Haq said while leaving the House.
Later addressing the media persons outside the Assembly, the PDP MLA said, "Due to heavy snowfall, there is an acute shortage of food grains and ration in my constituency but despite repeated requests to the authorities concerned, no action has been taken yet.''
"If they are unable to provide ration, what right do they have to be in power then." Haq Khan added. —Early Times Report |
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