National Conference (NC) and Congress MLAs on Monday demanded a judicial inquiry into the Ganderbal encounter, alleging that an innocent civilian was killed in a staged gunfight. Raising the issue before the beginning of Question Hour, NC legislators stood up, insisting that such incidents should not happen and stressing the need to distinguish between militants and civilians.
“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,” NC’s Mubarak Gul said.
The Speaker responded that an inquiry had already been ordered.
Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, who had earlier protested outside the House, also waved a placard seeking justice in the Ganderbal incident. NC MLA Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi pointed out that the body had not been handed over to the family for burial, stressing 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 pressed for a judicial probe, saying, “There should be swift justice. Justice demands speedy disposal of the matter.” NC MLA Mir Saifullah added that security forces should be restrained to prevent recurrence of such incidents, reiterating the demand for a magisterial or judicial inquiry.
BJP MLA R. Pathania objected to the discussion, contending that the matter was outside the jurisdiction of the House. “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 is discussion taking place on a matter which is not in the jurisdiction of the House?” he asked.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had already ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident on Friday.
