Srinagar: AAP MLA Mehraj Malik was allegedly assaulted outside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday after reportedly making derogatory remarks about former CM and late PDP leader Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and mocking BJP protests.
The incident began when Malik was speaking to the media and was confronted by PDP memebers, including one PDP Arif Amin associated with PDP, over his remarks, Indian Express reported.
A day earlier, Malik had clashed with the same PDP members inside the Assembly. This time, the altercation turned physical. Nearby BJP legislators, already angered by Malik referring to their protest as a “jamawara (crowd),” also joined the scuffle.
Security staff intervened and took Malik inside the lobby, where he allegedly made further remarks against the BJP and the PDP leader.
This provoked another scuffle, during which glass tables were broken. Assembly Marshalls eventually escorted Malik into the House, which had already been adjourned until 1pm. BJP and PDP members attempted to follow but were stopped.
Inside, Malik accused BJP members of assaulting him and urged NC legislators to summon the security officer present during the incident, claiming he did nothing to stop the attack.
BJP members, meanwhile, labeled Malik a habitual troublemaker and called for action against him.
Following the clash, the Assembly lobby and other public areas were cleared.
Earlier in the day, the Assembly witnessed uproar for the third straight day, prompting Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather to adjourn proceedings till 1pm.
NC members demanded a debate on the Wakf Act, while BJP legislators pressed for a discussion on unemployment. Both motions were disallowed by the Speaker, leading to shouting matches and BJP members storming the Well of the House.
