Raise CID verification, regularization of workers, constituencies issues
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Nov 8: After disruption of the House for couple of days, the legislators spoke on the final day of the Assembly session, addressing various issues, particularly the regularization of workers in multiple departments and the need to review the policy of service verification, besides restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
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Many members also recorded their condemnation of the events of August 5, 2019, expressing disappointment with the Supreme Court judgment, which they felt did not deliver justice.
The legislators spoke on the Motion of Thanks for the Lieutenant Governor’s address, highlighting broader political, economic, and social issues. They also raised concerns related to their respective constituencies, urging the Government to address local issues on a priority basis.
The members emphasized that locals should be given preference in jobs in various NHPC projects operating in Jammu and Kashmir. They also raised issues concerning Rehbar-i-Ziraat, Rehbar-i-Khel, Rehbar-i-Janglat, and NYCs, while stressing the need to restore the Old Pension Scheme for Government employees.
The day was marked by a shortage of time for all members to speak, leading the House to extend its session until 7 pm, with the Chief Minister’s speech lasting well over 40 minutes.
MLA Handwara and chairman of the People’s Conference, Sajjad Lone, called for a reinforcement of the recently passed resolution, deeming it “weak” and criticizing its lack of mention of Article 370, 35A, as well as the absence of an explicit condemnation of the unilateral decisions of August 5, 2019.
In his address to the Assembly, Lone noted that this was his first speech since 2014, emphasizing the profound changes that occurred in the intervening years: the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, the absence of elections for five years, and the reduction of J&K’s status from a State to a Union Territory, all without the consent of its people.
“I have not lost faith in the Supreme Court regarding Article 370. Whatever emerges from this Assembly will be a legal and historical milestone,” he said, also raising concerns about the police verification process, which he described as inhumane and unjust.
“A majoritarian decision was imposed, bypassing the people’s will. This Assembly must now represent that will-either by morally rejecting or endorsing the actions of August 5, 2019. If we see the Assembly’s response as weak, it’s a call to address an oversight, not an accusation of betrayal.”
Lone also called for an end to the discriminatory police verification process calling, highlighting how it affects daily life beyond just passport applications.
MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Parra after a heated exchange with the Speaker when he wasn’t given time to speak, noted that the PDP had submitted a resolution that was rejected.
He argued that they aimed to maintain decorum of the House. “No two Kashmiris have a reason to fight. The future cannot be governed by past mistakes; the majority must bear the responsibility of acceptance and tolerance.”
“We are documenting the erosion of our legacy-Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s legacy. This session is historic, and the people must not feel there was any compromise.”
He objected to alleged derogatory remarks made by one of the NC members about PDP founder Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Jamaat-e-Islami members. He retorted, “If betrayal is discussed, it began with Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who made the first compromise.”
The MLA Bandipora and Congress chief whip in Assembly, Nizamuddin Bhat, advocated for easing the employee verification process, highlighting its adverse impact on deserving youth who have been denied Government jobs due to alleged criminal records of distant relatives.
“I urge Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to personally review specific cases; these policies unfairly penalize innocent individuals, especially disadvantaged youth,” he said.
MLA Baramulla, Javed Beigh, emphasized that J&K resisted the invaders of 1947 and that its accession to India was founded on secular principles. He noted that the NC represents the people of J&K and called for a return to the pre-August 4, 2019, status.
“The BJP should recognize that the LG frequently refers to ‘my Government.’ The attitude of BJP members today reflects their inability to accept that the people of J&K have kept them away from power,” he said.
MLA Thannamandi, Muzaffar Khan, remarked, “Peace enforced at gunpoint can never last. It hasn’t in the past.”
He stated, “Today, I speak in one of the country’s weakest Assemblies in response to the LG’s address,” urging the Government to restore Statehood without delay.
MLA Kulgam, M Y Tarigami, condemned the recent Kishtwar killings and pointed out that J&K’s people have felt suffocated for the past five years.
He also sought clarity on the powers of the legislators and the Chief Minister, emphasizing that the LG and Government must define their respective roles.
MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, noted that the Assembly’s resolution was unambiguous, criticizing the BJP for harming J&K’s prosperity.
He demanded the return of power projects to J&K and the implementation of the Rangarajan Committee report for a one-time settlement on power dues.
MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, called for 200 free electricity units for everyone and age relaxation for upcoming job vacancies. “Daily wagers in various departments should also be regularized,” he added.
He criticized BJP leaders for distributing arms in Jammu, stating, “They’re unable to accept the truth. They should discuss casual laborers in the House, but instead, they create a commotion.”
MLA Langate, Sheikh Khursheed, noted that the LG’s address did not mention the revocation of AFSPA. He also sought a review of the reservation policy, arguing it had disadvantaged those in open merit.
MLA Trehgam, Saifullah Mir, highlighted the contrast between previous Prime Ministers who assured J&K’s autonomy and the current one who stripped it away.
“August 5 inflicted a wound that will never heal,” he said, expressing dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s handling of Article 370 and urging unity for a powerful Assembly.
First-time MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, criticized the BJP, stating that the Dogras of Jammu had been humiliated. “BJP’s ‘Ache Din’ brought difficulties for Jammu’s educated youth. The special status of J&K was granted due to Maharaja Hari Singh; BJP’s actions dishonor his legacy.”
Another first-time MLA, Arjun Singh Raju of Ramban, likened the events of 2019 to the dishonor of 1947 and insisted that Delhi would eventually grant J&K its rights.
He highlighted the Doda region’s losses due to the Indus Water Treaty and called for a review of the reservation policy. Raju also demanded an inquiry into the arming of civilians in Jammu, referencing the VDGs.
MLA Shopian, Shabir Ahmad Kullay, called for the release and case review of prisoners, especially those without serious offenses.
“Can we not forgive those involved in minor offences? Some individuals have been imprisoned for six years; their cases should be revisited,” he said, also requesting a review of Bar members arrested under PSA.
MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad Khan, delivered a passionate speech, accusing the PDP of complicity in J&K’s current situation. He also demanded the construction of a tunnel to ensure year-round access to Gurez.
Qaiser Jamshed Lone, MLA Lolab, ended his speech by noting that the BJP’s silence indicated they had nothing to contribute. “This Assembly’s goals remain within the Indian Constitution,” he affirmed.
MLA Tral, Rafiq Ahmad Naik, stated that development has progressed on many fronts, and he is not one to deny the truth. However, he emphasized that much more needs to be done for the benefit of the people.
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