Chaos in J&K Assembly as NC MLA Calls for Dialogue with Pakistan
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Synopsis
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly witnessed significant uproar as NC MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar called for renewed discussions with Pakistan, leading to a heated exchange with BJP leaders over terrorism and drug abuse concerns in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Ali Mohammad Sagar calls for talks with Pakistan.
- BJP leader Sunil Kumar Sharma counters with concerns about terrorism.
- Discussion on rising drug addiction in J&K.
- Government reports slight decline in drug addiction cases.
- Increased focus on rehabilitation and mental health care.
Jammu, March 5 (NationPress) A furor erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday following remarks from senior National Conference (NC) leader and MLA, Ali Mohammad Sagar, who advocated for the revival of discussions with Pakistan.
Sagar's comments ignited a contentious debate as Opposition Leader, BJP MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma, asserted, "terrorism and dialogue cannot coexist."
The NC leader accused the BJP of having connections with a banned organization. In retaliation, Sharma questioned Sagar on how Dr. Farooq Abdullah was able to participate in their events.
BJP leader Sunil Kumar Sharma further remarked that if the NC has made the greatest sacrifices, why do they continuously demand dialogue with Pakistan?
"It has become ingrained in their political DNA to push for discussions with Pakistan," Sharma expressed.
Another NC MLA raised concerns about drug abuse and trafficking within the union territory.
NC MLA Mubarak Gul inquired if it is true that drug addiction and trafficking have significantly escalated in recent years. "If that's the case, what measures have been implemented to combat this drug crisis?" he asked.
In response, the UT government stated, "It is indeed true that there has been a troubling rise in drug addiction among the youth in J&K. However, following the launch of Nasha Mukht Abhiyan in September 2022, we have observed a slight decline in registered cases. Additionally, there is no evidence of an increase in drug addiction cases. Over the last three years, drug addiction case registrations have shown a downward trend."
"This downward trend indicates some degree of progress in managing or better identifying drug abuse cases during this time. Inpatient drug (IPD) addiction cases have notably increased over the past three years, despite the overall reduction in registered cases. This rise may be attributed to the expansion of IPD services in de-addiction centers in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in increased admissions and improved inpatient care," the government elaborated.
The government also noted enhancements in policy measures, rehabilitation, mental health support, and comprehensive assistance for inpatients and those presenting with mild clinically treatable cases through counseling, medication, and improved parental care.
