Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today abruptly cut-short his address to the State Legislature and left in a huff as a vociferous Opposition created a ruckus demanding arrest of an ex-minister, accused in a molestation case, and dismissal of the Omar Abdullah government.
As soon as Vohra began his address to a joint sitting of the two Houses on the opening day of the budget session, opposition members, including those from PDP, BJP, JKNPP and Awami Itihaad Party, stood up and chanted anti-government slogans.
They demanded arrest of former minister of State for Health Shabir Ahmed Khan, accused in a sexual assault case, and the sacking of the Omar government alleging it had failed on all fronts.
The opposition members, led by PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, also vociferously protested over closure of the Pathribal fake encounter case by the army and "discrimination" in the grant of new administrative units.
Vohra, who started his speech amid the din, said the government recently completed five years in the office during which it pursued welfare-centric policies with dedication and commitment.
He also said people had made valuable contributions towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the state.
Shouting anti-government slogans, BJP members, led by Khajuria, staged a walkout and boycotted the address of the Governor.
As the pandemonium prevailed, the Governor cut-short his address and walked off the podium.
Speaking to reporters later, Mufti said: "We will continue to demand immediate arrest of Khan who has been accused of molesting a lady doctor."
"We are apprehensive he may use top officers to try to pressurise and influence witnesses and destroy evidence," she said.
Ruling National Conference member and party's additional general secretary Mustafa Kamal condemned the Opposition's behaviour.
"Their behaviour is uncalled for. They have shown utter disrespect to the Constitution.
