Heated Exchange in Assembly Over Demand for J&K Bank Branch in Sumbal
Hilal Akbar Lone Objects to PDP MLA Raising Issue in Sonawari
Jammu, Feb 20, KNT: A brief but sharp exchange took place in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday after National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone objected to a demand raised by PDP legislator Aga Muntazir Mehdi regarding opening of a J&K Bank branch in Sumbal.
During the proceedings, Aga Muntazir raised the issue of establishing a J&K Bank branch in Sumbal, stating that people had approached him and urged him to highlight the matter in the House.
The demand, however, drew a strong reaction from Hilal Akbar Lone, who represents Sonawari constituency. Visibly upset, Lone stood up and objected to what he termed as interference in his constituency.
“That’s my area. Don’t speak for its people,” Lone said, asserting that issues pertaining to Sonawari should be raised by its elected representative.
Aga Muntazir responded that as a legislator he has the right to raise issues brought to him by the public, irrespective of constituency boundaries.
The exchange escalated briefly, with Lone reiterating that fellow members should refrain from intervening in matters concerning his constituency.
The Speaker intervened to restore order, and proceedings continued thereafter. [KNT]
