Oppn corners Mehbooba govt over civilians killing in Pakistan shelling on borders

Arteev Sharma

Tribune News Service 

Jammu, January 23 

The Opposition, National Conference and Congress, on Tuesday created uproarious scenes in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for the alleged failure of the government to protect the lives of border dwellers in view of heavy shelling by Pakistan.

The opposition legislators also criticised the PDP-BJP government for “no action” in the cross-border shelling in Jammu division.  

While chanting anti-government slogans, the agitating MLAs walked out of the House in protest.

As soon as the House began its proceedings for the routine business, NC and Congress members drew the attention of Speaker Kavinder Gupta towards human and property damages in areas situated along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC).

Congress legislator Ghulam Mohammad Saroori termed the situation created due to cross-border shelling as “war-like”.
“So far, 12 people have been killed, domestic animals have perished and agricultural fields have been destroyed,” said Nawang Rigzin Jora, another Congress member. “The government is doing nothing.”

Saroori said the poor were victims of the situation along the border.

NC’s Mian Altaf suggested the government to form a team of MLAs who would visit the border areas and take stock of the situation.

“This government has failed,” shouted opposition members and alleged, “There is no seriousness towards border people.”

They were countered by the BJP with anti-Pakistan slogans.

NC’s Ali Mohammad Sagar expressed surprise over what he said “conflicting” statements coming from the PDP and BJP over border issue.

“MP Jugal Kishore had claimed with pride Rs 450 crore for construction of bunkers while Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has been opposing bunkers and appealing for peace along the border and for maintaining close relations between the two countries. Why this opposite stand,” Sagar said while questioning the stand of the “ruling parties”.

Later, they staged a walkout from the House. 

The BJP legislator and party state president, supported by other MLAs, sought a unanimous resolution from the House to condemn Pakistan for killing innocent people on the border. His move, however, did not find any support from PDP legislators and ministers.