NC threatens no-confidence motion against J&K Assembly Speaker

Srinagar, Aug 21 (UNI) The main opposition National Conference (NC) today expressed unhappiness over the functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Tara Chand and threatened to bring a no- confidence motion against him during the ongoing session if he continued with his ''tactics''.

Talking to reporters outside the Assembly Hall, Leader of Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather accused the Speaker of ''sabotaging'' the NC's demand for discussion on the party's adjournment motion on the tragic incident of Khundru in Anantnag district.

At least 21 people, including a major and 15 fire-fighters were killed, scores wounded and hundreds rendered homeless in a devastating fire and the subsequent explosions in an Ordnance depot at Khundru in Anantnag district of south Kashmir on August 11.

He said the discussion on the issue was placed as the last item on the list of business for the day. The Speaker did not mention a word about the motion despite being informed about it this morning, the NC leader added.

Mr Rather said the Speaker has undermined the importance of the issue. This is for the first time that such a major tragedy of this nature had occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

The Leader of the Opposition said a six-member NC delegation had visited Khundru and adjoining areas recently and wanted to give a feedback to the state government on the floor of the House.

He said the Speaker should give his decision on a particular matter according to the rules and accused him of resorting to ''frequent disruptions to save'' the government.

''If the Speaker continues with his tactics, we will bring a no-confidence motion against him,'' Mr Rather threatened.

UNI