“These incidents should not happen”: NC, Cong MLAs in Assembly over Ganderbal incident

Jammu : National Conference and Congress MLAs on Monday demanded a judicial enquiry into the Ganderbal encounter, alleging that an innocent person was killed in a staged gunfight.

Raising the issue before the beginning of Question Hour, as per news agency, NC legislators stood up, alleging that an innocent has been killed in staged gunfight in Ganderbal.

“It shouldn’t happen. We admit that the LG has ordered an inquiry, but the Home Department and the Home Minister should send out a message that no innocent should be killed in this sensitive state. There must be a distinction between militants and civilians,” said Gul.

The Speaker responded that an inquiry had already been ordered.

Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, who waved a placard seeking justice for the family, demanded justice for the family of the deceased.

NC MLA Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi pointed out that the body had not been handed over to the family for burial. He said that the right to a decent burial is a constitutionally accepted right.

Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat argued that a magisterial inquiry was not sufficient and insisted that a judicial inquiry should be ordered. “There should be swift justice. Justice demands speedy disposal of the matter,” he said.

NC MLA Mir Saifullah added that security forces should be reined in to prevent such incidents in the future. “A magisterial or judicial inquiry should be ordered in the matter,” he said.

BJP MLA R. Pathania stood up, contending that the House could not discuss the issue because it was outside its jurisdiction. “My eight starred questions have been disallowed on the grounds that they fall under matters pertaining to the LG or the Government of India. How discussion is taking place on the matter which is not in the jurisdiction of the House?” he asked.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident—(KNO)