J&K Assembly witness protests over IO's transfer

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today witnessed protests by Opposition PDP over transfer of an Investigating Officer(IO) probing molestation charges against former minister Shabir Ahmad Khan, and later staged a walkout from the House.

As the Assembly commenced its proceedings, Opposition PDP led by leader of the House, Mehbooba Mufti raised the issue of transfer of IO probing molestation charges by a lady doctor against Khan.

The members held protests against the government for scuttling the investigation in the case by transfer of the IO.

They trooped into the Well of the House seeking reply from the government over the issue and also called for prohibition of the former Minister's entry into the House till the investigation is on.

They were joined by CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami and Independent member Engineer Rashid in the demand.

Later, after half an hour of protests and Speaker Mubarak Gul's request to observe calm and go back to their seats, stating it was a routine transfer, the Opposition staged walkout from the House.

Reiterating the issue, Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo defended the transfer and said that it was a routine matter.