Autumn session of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly begins on Oct 3. The session is expected to generate a lot of heated debate in the backdrop of several burning issues especially the expectation of fierce discussion on bill seeking lifting of beef ban.
In an significant development recently, National Conference legislators submitted a bill in the legislative assembly seeking abolishment of the constitutional provisions criminalising slaughter of bovines in the state. It is worth pointing out here that recently the Jammu and Kashmir high court on September 10 ordered the state police to ensure strict implementation of a law which ensures the banning of the sale of beef after a petitioner argued the slaughter of bovines hurts the sentiments of some communities. The same move had generated lot of outrage in the nook and corner of Kashmir with many terming it as a direct interference in the religious affairs of majority Muslim community.
While on suggestions by some members regarding fair reporting of the session, the Speaker said the Information Department would request mediapersons to be impartial while reporting the proceedings. He said that the media has an important role in highlighting public issues and hoped that its would discharge its duties with utmost care and responsibility.
Pertinently, the Legislator from Khansahab constituency in Budgam district, Hakeem Muhammad Yasin, has also submitted a bill in the Assembly seeking ban on sale of liquor in the state.
In his bill, Yasin has however sought exemption on sale of liquor and its consumption by tourists visiting the State.“The tourists should be exempted from the ban. However Government should regulate consumption of liquor by tourists,” he has mentioned in the bill.
Overall, the upcoming Autumn Assembly session is expected to generate lot o heated debate.