Opposition boycotts LC proceedings, seeks apology from Chairman

Nissar Shaheen :

Opposition members from National Conference and Congress on Tuesday amid protests boycotted the House proceedings of the Legislative Council for marshalling out National Conference legislator. NC member Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo was marshalled out on Monday from the Upper House. Shouting slogans “marshal sarkar hai hai” and “democracy ko restore karo”, Opposition members led by their leader Ghulam Nabi Monga protested outside the Legislative Assembly complex.

The members boycotted the House proceedings. “If the Minister has failed to give a satisfactory reply, the member has a right to ask supplementary but we don’t know where the Chairman got the directions from and Mr Kichloo was marshalled out,” Mr Monga told reporters.

He said the member’s concern was only constitution of House Committee. He neither created any ruckus nor damaged any property in the House then why was he marshalled out? “We want the Chairman to seek an apology and frame the House Committee,” said Mr Monga. Meanwhile, Mr Kichloo said the Chairman is the custodian of the House and not the representative of any party. “We will not attend the House unless the Chairman apologises and announces House Committee for Kishtwar so that members visit there and see things on ground,” said Mr Kichloo.

The Chairman cannot suppress the voice of the opposition and he has to be impartial. Mr Kichloo, on Monday, was marshalled out after he sought reply from the government on engagement of locals and compensation to people whose land acquired for power projects in Kishtwar district.