Gurez MLA seeks privilege motion against news portal for sharing ‘misleading video’

Srinagar, Oct 31: A brief uproar was witnessed in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Thursday after a video of MLA Karnah Javid Ahmad Mirchal was circulated by a news portal, alleging that he was scrolling social media during the House proceedings.

Clarifying his position, MLA Mirchal said the claim was “false and misleading,” asserting that he was checking official business received online, not using social media. “The video was shared without context. I was going through the business papers we receive through online mode,. it was aimed at demeaning my work” he said.

Senior MLA Nazir Gurezi demanded that a privilege motion be moved against the news portal for attempting to malign the image of a legislator. “Such acts demean the dignity of the House and should not be tolerated,” he remarked.

Members of the National Conference also stood up in protest, demanding strict action against the portal for spreading misinformation.

Responding to the issue, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather assured the House that “appropriate action will be taken against the defaulter” after examining the matter.