Pandemonium in Jammu Kashmir Assembly Over CM’s Remarks | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s comments in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday sparked protests by opposition BJP legislators, who demanded an apology, alleging that he used objectionable language.

While replying to the discussion on the Budget, the Chief Minister criticised the Indo-US trade deal, saying it was not beneficial for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that although the trade agreement was not part of the Budget debate, several members had raised it, and he questioned how the deal protected local interests. He said certain products such as walnuts, almonds and other dry fruits—key produce of Jammu and Kashmir—had been allowed entry at zero duty, adding that apples should also have been safeguarded.

Leader of Opposition members objected to the remarks, leading to heated exchanges between treasury and opposition benches. Referring to the agreement, the Chief Minister said that the term “deal” translates to “souda,” drawing further reactions from the opposition.

As protests intensified, the Chief Minister made additional remarks that provoked stronger objections from BJP legislators, who termed the language unparliamentary and demanded an apology. Despite sloganeering and disruptions by opposition members, the Chief Minister continued with his speech and completed his address.