M A I N   N E W S

Anantnag killings rock J & K Houses
Tribune News Service

JAMMU, April 4 — Both Houses of the state legislature were today adjourned for a day when scheduled business was disrupted by members protesting against the killing of seven persons in the police firing in Anantnag district yesterday.

The Assembly witnessed a pandemonium with all members belonging to the National Conference, the Congress and the BSP on their feet, shouting “katiloon ko phansi do” (execute the killers). The speaker, Mr Abdul Ahad Vakil, pleaded for patience. “Everybody’s heart weeps over the tragic incident. Please have patience as we are passing through a delicate period,” he pleaded.

The members refused to listen. The Speaker announced in the House that after question hour, the Chief Minister would make a statement on the incident. At this juncture the CPM member, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, and several members from the National Conference shouted “Katleaam band karo” (stop bloodshed).

Tempers ran high and NC member Abdul Majid left his seat and marched towards the well of the House along with over 20 NC members amidst sloganeering. Congress and BSP members joined them. Even former Housing Minister Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari was vociferous in the condemnation of the “police excesses” in Anantnag.

For about 10 minutes the members, including Mohammad Shafi Bhat of the National Conference, Sheikh Abdul Rehman of the BSP, Mr Ashok Sharma and Mr Lal Singh of the Congress, disrupted the House proceedings. Several members demanded adjournment of the House.

The Speaker made repeated requests to the members to be seated so that the Chief Minister could make a statement. But three Congress members, Mr Ashok Sharma, Mr Lal Singh and Mr Balbir Singh, staged a walkout. Dr Farooq Abdullah and his ministerial colleagues besides BJP members remained silent.

There was absolute silence when the Chief Minister got up to make the statement. He said a procession of people demanding that the bodies of five youths killed in the Pathribal encounter be handed over and the arrested released headed towards a security picket. They police tried to stop the procession, but in vain. The police then opened fire in which five persons died on the spot, two succumbed to their injuries while being carried to hospital and the condition of two was critical.

Dr Abdullah announced that a judicial inquiry would be held and the guilty punished as per the law. He also announced that the Deputy Commissioner and the Senior Superintendent of Police of Anantnag had been shifted.

Dr Abdullah also announced the suspension of the personnel with the SOG and CRPF posted at Barakpora Camp.

He said “agencies across the border are destabilising peace in Kashmir. Turmoil and strife suits Pakistan. Pointing towards Congress and NC members, the Chief Minister said: “They want me to resign. They want to bury me and the National Conference. They do not know if we are buried, they will not be safe.”

Dr Abdullah suggested to the Congress members: “If you have to fight, do not fight with us but with Pakistan.”

Mr Vakil expressed shock over the incident and the entire House observed silence to mourn the deaths. On the suggestion of the Law Minister, Mr P.L. Handoo, the House was adjourned for the day.