The Opposition National Conference (NC) on Monday staged a walkout from the Jammu and Kashmir assembly to demand a statement from the government over the army chief General Bipin Rawat’s remarks on Kashmir and a search operation in Srinagar.
As soon as proceedings of the House began, NC legislators led by MLA Khanyar Ali Muhammad Sagar staged a protest against Rawat’s remarks in which he had taken exception to the teaching of state map in Jammu and Kashmir schools and advocated a “politico-military approach”.
Gen Rawat had also warned of misuse of social media, government schools in J&K, mosques and madrassas in “spreading disinformation campaign resulting in radicalisation of youth.”
Following his remarks, the education minister had slammed the army chief for “meddling in state’s education sector.”
The protesting lawmakers of the principal opposition party demanded a statement from Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti over the “disturbing situation” in the Valley and the contradictory statements made by Army and state government over the prevailing situation.
They also questioned over a cordon-and-search-operation launched by the forces in Habba Kadal locality of downtown Srinagar after a gap of 17 years.
“Do you want to create South Kashmir in Central and North Kashmir?” Sagar asked the treasury benches.
Sagar waved a copy of Greater Kashmir which has reported in today’s edition about the search operation in Habba Kadal and adjoining areas. The report, quoting locals, said that the CASO was launched in the area for the first time since 2000.
Waving copies of Greater Kashmir in the House, Sagar said the CASO operations have been revived in Srinagar after a gap of 17 years.
CPI (M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami also slammed the government for Army Chief’s statement.
“Who is in command here? This is a serious issue and government should come clear as what army chief meant by politico-military solution to Kashmir,” Tarigami said
Later, the protesting NC lawmakers staged a walkout from the house.