J&K MLC won't face FIR for calling Burhan Wani freedom fighter

The Jammu and Kashmir legislative council Chairman on Monday extended the protection of the house to the National Conference legislator who called Hizbul commander Burhan Wani a "freedom fighter" and said that a police complaint would not be allowed to be lodged against him.

Legislative council Chairman Haji Anayat Ali assured the house that "no FIR will be lodged against sitting legislator Showkat Ganai for his comments made in the house".

A court in Jammu recently directed the police to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) against the legislator for his comments on Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, whose killing in an exchange of fire with security forces on June 8 triggered an unrest in the state.

The Chairman agreed with the opposition members that the decision of the court tantamounts to questioning the respect and privileges of the legislative council.

He also said that the concerned National Conference member was at liberty to move a privilege motion against anyone involved in filing the petition with the Jammu court, based on which the court directed the police to lodge an FIR against the legislator.

State Education Minister Naeem Akhtar present in the house agreed with the Chairman, suggesting that the controversy should be treated as closed after.

--IANS

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