Heated exchange in House over stone plaques

NC MLA seeks probe by committee

DEEPAK KHAJURIA

JAMMU: After the reference to them in discussion over Kashmir unrest in the House, stones again found a mention during the proceedings today, albeit in a very different context and form as well, and accusations of guilt being directed at the ruling dispensation this time. It was not stone pelting but stone plaque removal and replacement by the BJP-PDP government.
Raising the issue of removal and replacement of foundation stones laid by former Chief Minister and ministers in the State Legislative Assembly, National Conference MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar said, "Pathar Uthate Ho, Pathron Se Kya Hota Hai, Pathron Ne Hi Hamein Maara Hai," (You are removing the stones, this is not fair, these stones had hit us badly).
Concluding his speech on the Annual Budget, Sagar said that an important yet a very unusual thing is happening in the tenure of the present government and that is replacement of foundation stones having names of former ministers and CM.
Before Deputy Speaker, Nazeer Ahmed Gurezi, who was in the chair, could say something, PDP MLA Javed Mustafa Mir stood up and asked Sagar to give one example. Sagar replied that he has a list and will submit to the Speaker.
Many legislators stood up and said that they also have many such cases in their respective constituencies.
Leader of Opposition, Omar Abdullah, who was present did not speak but signaled his MLAs to raise the issue. Congress MLA G.M. Saroori told the House, "When I was minister in Omar Abdullah's government, a foundation stone laid at the Fourth Tawi Bridge by both of us has been removed by this government."
The NC MLA from Mendhar said, "I have a much more strange example, when a former MLA from PDP removed a stone with my name and put one with his own name."
Taking note of the issue, Deputy Speaker Gurezi said, "If it is happening in the state, it is absolutely wrong, it will not happen again."
NC MLA Mohammad Akbar Lone went further ahead and demanded to form a House Committee to probe the issue. PDP MLA Javed Mustafa Mir, who had asked to cite particular cases, then said, "It should be investigated who is behind this. Whosoever is doing this and is behind such petty politics should be exposed."
Speaking on behalf of the state government, Cabinet Minister A.R. Veeri said, "We will see into it and take action."