PaK has better facilities, NC MLA says in assembly; BJP reacts

Jammu: National Conference (NC) MLA from Trehgam Saifullah Mir on Tuesday claimed that facilities in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PaK) near the Keran sector in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir are better.

The legislator made these remarks while asking supplementary questions during question hour in the Assembly, as per Kashmir News Observer. However, BJP legislator RS Pathania objected to the statement and demanded that it be expunged from the assembly records.

After a gap of seven years, the 40-day-long budget session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly began on March 3. Many members emphasised the restoration of statehood to empower the legislature.

The last budget session was held in February-March 2018, making this the second assembly session since the formation of the National Conference (NC)-led government in the Union Territory (UT). The assembly previously convened in Srinagar from November 4 to 8 last year, shortly after the government’s formation.

LG Manoj Sinha, addressing the house on the first day, highlighted the historic significance of this Budget, marking the first in over seven years introduced by an elected government.

“It symbolises the people’s power, as it is prepared by their chosen representatives,” Sinha said. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged legislators to engage constructively, stressing that a strong session strengthens democracy.

“As the Budget Session begins, I urge all members to raise issues that matter and make the most of this opportunity,” he posted on X.