Jammu, Apr 04: MLAs from the National Conference and Congress on Monday demanded a judicial inquiry into the Ganderbal encounter, alleging that an innocent civilian was killed in a staged gunfight.
Raising the issue before the start of Question Hour, NC legislators stood up in the House, claiming that the incident involved the killing of an innocent person in Ganderbal.
“It should not happen. We acknowledge that the LG has ordered an inquiry, but the Home Department and the Home Minister must ensure that no innocent is harmed. There should be a clear distinction between militants and civilians,” said Abdul Majeed Gul.
The Speaker responded that an inquiry into the matter had already been initiated.
Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone, while holding a placard, sought justice for the family of the deceased.
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi said the body had not yet been handed over to the family, stressing that a dignified burial is a constitutional right.
Congress legislator Nizamuddin Bhat argued that a magisterial probe was not sufficient and called for a judicial inquiry, emphasising the need for swift justice.
NC MLA Mir Saifullah also urged that security forces be restrained to prevent such incidents in the future and supported the demand for a higher-level probe.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ravinder Raina Pathania objected to the discussion, stating that the issue falls outside the jurisdiction of the Assembly. He questioned how the matter was being debated when similar issues had previously been disallowed.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had earlier ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. (Agency)
