Opposition stages walkout from both Houses in J&K

JAMMU: After creating ruckus over alleged assault to Kashmiri students in Mahendragarh and Ambala in recent times, Opposition comprising National Conference (NC) and Congress staged a walkout from J&K legislative assembly and legislative council here on Thursday.

Soon, after the House assembled for the day’s business, NC and Congress MLAS raked up the issue and demanded that the House should pass a resolution seeking an order from the President to ensure protection of Kashmiri students and businessmen outside the state.

CPM legislator MY Tarigami and NC legislator Ali Mohammed Sagar sought a reply from the state government.

Drawing the attention of Speaker Kavinder Gupta, Sagar said despite assurances by the government, Kashmiri students were being subjected to frequent assaults.

Tarigami suggested that irrespective of political lineages, the House should pass a resolution urging the Prime Minister to condemn such incidents and ensure protection to Kashmiris be they are students, workers or labourers, outside the state.

However, the Speaker rejected the demand prompting the Opposition to stage a walkout.

Earlier this month, two university students, residents of Rajouri, were allegedly beaten up by some people in Mahendergarh, following which three accused were arrested.

Meanwhile, NC also staged a walkout from the Upper House over assault on Kashmiri students in Haryana.

As the proceedings started in Upper House, NC member led by Showkat Ganaie stood on their seats and demanded government’s reply on the attack on the Valley-based student in Ambala.

Probably unaware of the Ambala incident, social welfare minister Sajjad Lone said, government