NC legislator's 'azadi' comments trigger uproar in J&K House

A lawmaker of the opposition National Conference (NC) today raised the issue of "azadi" on the floor of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Council, drawing angry protests from the BJP members.
Later, Council Chairman Haji Anayat Ali expunged the NC member's remarks.
NC MLC Showkat Ahmad Ganie made the remarks while taking part in a debate on the deaths of two civilians in alleged firing by security forces in Shopian district on Saturday.
Ganie also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and called such incidents as "grim". He said all political leaders should come on a common platform to resolve the issues permanently.

He also said that the dialogue process should be started with all stakeholders of the state to ensure permanent peace.
Criticising Ganie for his remarks, Minister for Public Works Department Naeem Akhtar said those taking oath under the Constitution should not make such comments.

The BJP members protested the remarks and sought an apology from the NC member.
BJP MLC Ashok Khajuria asked Ganie to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. The NC member refused to do so, triggering an angry exchange.
The NC MLC charged the Army with playing politics in Kashmir. "The Army has abandoned its job and is doing politics. They should focus on their job and not do politics," Ganie said.

He also charged New Delhi with "deceiving" Kashmiris and said the central government never acknowledged the aspirations of the people here.