Speaker orders investigation into microphone controversy

Srinagar, Feb 09: Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather on Monday said he will investigate allegations made by National Conference MLAs that PDP legislator Waheed‑ur‑Rehman Para was using a microphone in the House.

Speaking in the Assembly, Rather, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the Assembly Secretariat should examine the matter and that appropriate action would be taken under the Rules. “I will investigate the matter,” the Speaker said after NC MLA Altaf Wani raised the issue. Wani alleged that after they pointed out Para’s use of a microphone in the House, he handed it over to his party colleague Muntazir Mehdi.

The Speaker described such acts as childish, saying they undermine the dignity of the House. “It is very sad. Do you want me to have members of the House frisked?” the Speaker asked.

However, PDP MLA Mir Muhammad Fayaz termed the allegations as baseless. “Don’t defend the indefensible,” the Speaker told Mir. Kaloo further urged the Speaker to examine speeches made by Para and other MLAs to find the difference.