In a not-so-shocking incident, an MLA of the National Conference led by Omar Abdullah shouted Pakistan Zindabad in the J&K assembly. When asked about the incident by ANI, Akbar Lone, the MLA in question, told that it was his personal view and no one should have any problem with it. Akbar Lone was a cabinet minister holding the higher education portfolio when Omar Abdullah was chief minister. Akbar Lone currently represents Sonawari constituency.
Yes, I said it. It is my personal view, I said it in the house and I don’t think anyone should have a problem with it: National Conference MLA Akbar Lone on shouting ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in J&K Assembly pic.twitter.com/JbiwNui0kj
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2018
As per a report in Greater Kashmir, a news portal in J&K, the MLA said :
“I am a Muslim first. My sentiments were hurt when they (BJP MLAs) were shouting “Pakistan Murdabad” slogans. I couldn’t control my emotions and raised Pakistan Zindabad slogans,”
Omar Abdullah refuses to apologise or ask for MLAs resignation
Former chief minister of J&K not only refused to apologise for his MLA’s behaviour but also blamed the government for failing to maintain security in Jammu.
@OmarAbdullah Please stop this drama. Your insistence on not saying (doing) anything more says it all. You are backing your MLA for his Pro-Pak rants. Expel MLA from party NOW! Try & redeem your party from this MLA’s rants and your Dad’s provocative recent statements on Kashmir! https://t.co/1hHkpnkJ80
— GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) February 10, 2018
Forget about the valley or the border even Jammu city is not safe under you guys (including your allies) so stop obfuscating & start explaining how you’ve managed to mess things up so spectacularly.
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 10, 2018
Reports say that JKNC has distanced itself from the comments of the MLA.
But, the reaction of JKNC president on Twitter seems to have a defensive rather than apologetic in tone. What seemed to be under the covers has probably just come to light with the reaction of National Conference and Omar Abdullah.
