Reservation issue rocks J&K Assembly again

Srinagar, Jun 17: The issue of reservations in promotions for government employees rocked the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for second consecutive day today as opposition Congress members demanded an amendment in the state reservation law.

Cutting across part lines, several MLAs from opposition Congress, National Conference and the ruling PDP stormed the well of house to register their protest against the alleged government inaction in restoring the reservation in promotions for government employees.

Congress leader Nawang Rigzin Jora said the Speaker Kavinder Gupta should direct the government to bring an amendment to the reservation law that will restore the reservation in promotions for government employees.

Law Minister Abdul Haq Khan intervened in the matter and stated that the House can deliberate on the matter only after the Supreme Court has delivered its verdict on it.

"The honourable members are aware that the matter is pending adjudication before the Supreme Court. Let the Supreme Court give its verdict and then we can take it forward," he added.

Not satisfied with the government statement, three Congress MLAs -- Jora, Asghar Ali Karbalaie and Chaudhary Mohammad Akran staged a walkout from the house. The issue had figured in the house yesterday and on Tuesday as well.

PTI