SRINAGAR: Congress MLA from Bandipora, Nizamuddin Bhat, on Friday alleged that he was attacked by the brother of Sonawari MLA and his supporters during an official review meeting in Naidkhai area of Bandipora district, claiming the incident could affect the Congress-National Conference alliance if action is not taken.
Addressing reporters after the incident, Bhat alleged that Jalal Akbar Lone, brother of the Sonawari MLA, along with his supporters, stormed the meeting venue, vandalised the premises and attempted to disrupt official proceedings aimed at reviewing development works.
According to Bhat, he was chairing a review meeting to assess the implementation of various development projects, including expenditure on a sports stadium and other works, when some participants objected to the discussion and walked out.
He alleged that the group later returned with Lone and several supporters, who forcibly entered the meeting hall, damaged doors and window panes, and created panic among officials and those present.
Seeking Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s intervention, Bhat said the incident could have consequences for the Congress-National Conference alliance if those responsible were not held accountable.
“This incident will definitely have an impact on the alliance between the Congress and the National Conference. If the Chief Minister and the party fail to take action and stop their people from indulging in hooliganism, it will have an impact on the alliance,” he said.
Bhat also termed the alleged disruption of official proceedings and the attempt to assault a public representative as a serious offence, saying he had sought appropriate legal action.
He further alleged that the disruption was intended to prevent scrutiny of funds sanctioned for development works in the block over the past one-and-a-half years. According to Bhat, he had sought details on the utilisation of around Rs 2 crore allocated for rural development projects.
The Congress MLA also claimed that repeated interference had affected the functioning of the local administration, alleging that some officials had sought transfers from the block due to continued pressure.
There was no immediate response from Jalal Akbar Lone, the National Conference or the Jammu and Kashmir government on the allegations. (KNO)
