Pandemonium in J&K assembly over Kathua killings, Gulmarg fashion show 

Jammu, March 10: The Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Monday as legislators from both the ruling and opposition parties disrupted proceedings over the recent killings in Kathua and the controversial fashion show in Gulmarg.

As soon as the House convened, the MLAs rose from their seats, demanding a discussion on both the issues. Amidst a cacophony , shouting drowned out the Speaker’s attempts to restore order, rendering the proceedings inaudible for nearly 20 minutes.

Dr. Rameshwar, MLA Bani, who was assaulted on Sunday in Billawar, attempted to storm into the well of the House. However, the Speaker stated that the House deplored the attack on him and called for an inquiry into the matter.

In an effort to placate the agitated legislators, the Speaker urged them to allow the House to function, assuring that an inquiry had already been ordered in both the cases. However, he said  that under Rule 59, matters under investigation could not be discussed in the Assembly.

After the Speaker’s clarification, the legislators allowed the Question hour to proceed.

Three youths were found dead in the Billawar area of Kathua two days after they went missing. The bodies were found in a deep gorge on Saturday. A probe has been ordered to investigate the deaths, believed to have been carried out by militants.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday sought a report after a fashion show in Gulmarg drew widespread criticism, with Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq terming it “outrageous” and “obscene”.

Abdullah said appropriate action would be taken after the report is submitted to him within 24 hours. “The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities and that too during this holy month,” Abdullah said.

The fashion show was organised on Friday in the backdrop of the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg to mark the 15th anniversary of the designer label Shivan & Narresh.