The opening day of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly’s autumn session witnessed noisy scenes and a scuffle on Monday as BJP legislators protested over the demands of National Health Mission (NHM) employees and other public issues.
BJP members raised concerns over NHM employees’ demands, the power tariff hike and the regularisation of daily-wage workers. They displayed placards seeking action on the pending concerns and pressed for government intervention.
NHM employees’ demands take centre stage
NHM employees in Jammu and Kashmir have been raising demands including a clear service policy, job security, regularisation, retirement benefits, social security and other service-related issues.
Their agitation had continued for several days before being deferred for a month following written assurances from the government that their concerns would be examined. Employees had said they could resume their protest if their demands were not addressed within the agreed period.
Protests disrupt Assembly proceedings
The issues raised inside the House led to slogan-shouting and a face-off between members, with reports of a scuffle requiring intervention by Assembly marshals. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah continued speaking amid the uproar.
The Speaker, Abdul Rahim Rather, intervened as the protests disrupted proceedings. The BJP had also planned to raise concerns relating to employment, outsourcing, electricity tariffs and other public grievances during the session.
The autumn session, which began on Monday, is expected to take up a range of issues concerning governance, employment and public services across Jammu and Kashmir.