Srinagar: The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, has ordered a formal examination into allegations against PDP MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra for allegedly bringing a microphone inside the House during proceedings.
Taking serious note of the matter, the Speaker described the incident as unfortunate and said it would be probed strictly in accordance with Assembly rules. He stressed that any action carried out in a concealed manner is unacceptable and does not suit the dignity of an elected representative. He added that the media plays a vital role in highlighting such issues and assured that his secretariat has been directed to investigate the matter.
The issue was raised by National Conference MLA Altaf Kaloo in Parra’s absence. Kaloo alleged that when Mubarak Gul was presiding over the House, Parra entered with a microphone and later placed it in the pocket of Aga Muntazir after being questioned.
PDP MLA Mir Muhammad Fayaz rejected the allegations and defended Parra, terming them baseless. He said Parra had himself requested a verification, but the House was adjourned before any check could be conducted.
During the debate, the Speaker strongly reacted to Fayaz’s defence, remarking that he was “defending the indefensible.”
Minister for Education Sakeena Ittoo appealed for calm and said the truth would emerge after a proper inquiry.
Earlier, similar allegations were raised by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary when Parra was participating in the budget discussion. During his speech, Parra had raised concerns related to SASCI and criticised the National Conference for not consulting the House, calling it a “death trap for Jammu and Kashmir.”
The Speaker’s secretariat is now expected to examine all aspects of the matter and submit its findings in accordance with established rules and procedures.
