Jammu, Feb 20: While the opposition political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are busy finalizing their strategy for the ensuing budget session, Speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone Saturday said he would use ‘any force’ including police to prevent any member from violating the rules and show of muscle power.
 Talking to Greater Kashmir on Saturday, Lone said he was very cautious about the possible stormy session and “will not leave any stone unturned to ensure discipline and order in the House.” The annual budget session is commencing from February 22 and is likely to be stormy amid reports that the ruling coalition and opposition parties were gearing up to corner each other.
 “While the members of the House have every right to raise the issues of their concern and interest, I will not allow anyone to take law in his hand,” the Speaker said adding, “I am fully authorized to use any kind of force including police to ensure order in the House.”
 “I am personally thinking that I would not use even the Marshals against the members but at the same time I am not going to tolerate any indiscipline especially if any one tries to use force like snatching my mike or assaulting any staff member in the House,” Lone said. The Speaker, who remained in limelight during the last session, was of the opinion that the elected representatives of the state have great responsibility on their shoulders which they shall discharge by raising the issues confronting the general masses “in democratic and legal way.”
 “I know this time the opposition parties have many issue to raise and there are issues which may lead to confrontation even among the opposition benches,” he said adding, “But I would expect the members to be disciplined.” Any decision to use force against any member, he said, “would not be my personal but the decision of the chair I hold.”
 He said that he was never personally against any member but was bound to act in the manner due to the obligation and responsibilities attached to the chair.
 Lone said that will personally ensure that Zero Hour gets due attention of the government. “I will make it sure that the cabinet ministers remain present so as to note down the issues raised by the members during Zero Hour.”
 The assembly secretariat, in the meanwhile, is all set to be abuzz with the activities for at least next one month.
Most parts of the secretariat have been renovated and fresh look has been given to the exterior.
 A full dress rehearsal of assembly staff as well as police band and traffic police was conducted today for Governor’s address.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 21 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST