Scuffles Erupt in J-K Assembly as MLAs Wave Khamenei Posters; Massive Uproar Ensues

Srinagar: The atmosphere within the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly became completely heated today, even before the House proceedings could officially begin. Legislators from the National Conference (NC) and the PDP staged a strong protest within the Assembly complex regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The MLAs demonstrated by waving photographs and posters of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

Just as the House proceedings were about to commence, National Conference legislators descended into the Well of the House. The MLAs chanted slogans such as “Down with Israel” and raised anti-American slogans. NC leader Tanvir Sadiq, who was spearheading the protest alongside other legislators, expressed his condolences to Iran and strongly condemned the Israeli attacks.

The stance adopted by certain legislators—from both the opposition and the ruling parties—disrupted the Assembly proceedings, necessitating an adjournment of the House for 30 minutes. Earlier, NC legislators had also moved an adjournment motion in the House to facilitate a discussion on this issue. Given the level of commotion witnessed both inside and outside the House, it is evident that it will be difficult to conduct discussions on any other legislative business in the Assembly today.

A heavy security contingent has been deployed outside the Assembly complex; however, the legislators’ protests and slogan-shouting continue unabated. The opposition parties maintain that they are raising their voices against violations of international human rights and the killing of innocent civilians.