Srinagar, Sep 21: In a departure from long‑standing tradition, the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday carried out Government business immediately after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather read out obituary references.
Breaking precedent, the Speaker proceeded with legislative work following tributes to former Members of the Legislative Assembly Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Dharam Paul and Ghulam Hassan.
During the obituary reference, the Speaker read out the names of the deceased lawmakers, with no other member participating in paying homage. Later, members observed a two‑minute silence to honour the departed legislators. In the past, lawmakers from different parties would join in the obituary proceedings.
Traditionally, the House would adjourn for the day after paying obituary references, refraining from transacting any business.
In the last autumn session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had proposed revising the Assembly’s obituary reference procedure. “When I was in Parliament, the obituary references used to involve long speeches after the Speaker’s reading, taking up an entire day.
Later, it was decided that the Speaker alone would read the references, and members would stand in silence for a minute. I think we should follow that system here too,” Omar had said—(KNO)
About The Author
