Jammu and Kashmir Assembly today erupted in pandemonium as members raised protests over the approval of use of red beacons for public servants while they were denied the privilege, forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House.
The state cabinet yesterday approved the use of red beacons to the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Justice, Chief Secretary, DGP and other dignitaries of the state.
Members of BJP, PDP, JKNPP and JSM rose in protest when the House opened for session today, saying the privilege was denied to them, who held constitutional posts.
Speaker Mubarak Gul said the cabinet decision was in line with the Supreme Court order last year which limited the use of red beacons to high dignitaries holding constitutional posts.
Amid vociferous protests, the members sought a response from government in the House. But when they got no reply from the government, they staged a walkout.
Later, Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather said the decision was taken as it was mandatory to implement the SC order within a stipulated period.
When asked how Chief Secretary and DGP were included in the list, Rather said that the Centre had approved the use of red beacons to the Cabinet Secretary while MPs and MLAs have not been enlisted for the same.
The issue was raised again by Congress and PDP members resulting in pandemonium in the House forcing the Speaker to adjourn it briefly.
