Uproar in IIOJK Assembly as MLAs protest killing of Iran’s supreme leader, US-Israeli aggression
Jammu: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes after members of various parties, except the BJP, staged protests over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the ongoing US-Israeli military aggression against Tehran.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests took place during the resumed budget session, which reconvened after a five-week break in Jammu and is scheduled to continue until April 4.
Legislators from the ruling National Conference, Congress, CPI (M), and several Independents, along with opposition PDP members, raised slogans condemning US-Israeli aggression on Iran and denouncing the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. BJP members strongly objected to the protests, triggering heated exchange inside the House.
As proceedings began, National Conference MLA and party spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, dressed in black attire and headgear, displayed a photograph of Ayatollah Khamenei inside the Assembly. CPI (M) MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami called for a formal condemnation of the Israel-US aggression against Iran. Several legislators wore black armbands and headbands as a mark of protest.
Tensions escalated further when a physical altercation broke out between Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone and BJP MLA Yudvir Sethi.
Despite repeated appeals by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to maintain order, protests disrupted Question Hour. As the situation worsened, police personnel were deployed inside the Assembly premises, and the House was adjourned for half an hour.
Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the “unjust & illegal war” on Iran. PDP legislator Agha Muntazir Mehdi called for the passage of a resolution condemning US-Israel actions against Iran, saying it would reflect the sentiments of the Kashmiri people.
Earlier in the day, Tanvir Sadiq staged a protest outside the Assembly in support of Iran, asserting that no country has the right to assassinate a religious leader of another nation. “We consider him a martyr and stand in solidarity with Iran,” he said, also praising Iran’s resistance despite sanctions. Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone also protested outside the Assembly, condemning the attack on Iran & criticizing the Indian govt’s response to it.
