Senior Congress leader and Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Friday alleged that he was attacked by the brother of a National Conference (NC) MLA and his supporters during an official public grievance meeting in Bandipora district. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The alleged incident took place at the Naidkhai Block Office, where a review meeting on development works was being held.
Speaking to the media after the incident, Bhat claimed that Jalal Akbar Lone, brother of the Sonawari National Conference MLA, entered the meeting venue along with several supporters and attempted to disrupt the official proceedings.
According to Bhat, the group allegedly vandalised the office, damaged doors and window panes, and created panic among government officials and members of the public attending the meeting.
He further alleged that the group initially tried to stop the review meeting to avoid discussions on development works. Later, they reportedly returned with more supporters, further disrupting the programme. Bhat said he escaped the incident without suffering any injuries.
Appeals to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
Following the incident, Bhat appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take immediate action against those allegedly involved.
He warned that failure to act could affect the relationship between the National Conference and the Congress, which are alliance partners in Jammu and Kashmir.
“If the Chief Minister and the party fail to take action and stop such hooliganism, it will have an impact on the alliance. There is no place for hooliganism in a democracy,” Bhat said.
The incident was strongly condemned by the Congress. District Congress Committee (DCC) President Neeraj Kundan described the alleged attack as an assault on democratic values and demanded that the National Conference take strict action against those responsible within 24 hours.
Official Response Awaited
As of now, the district administration and police have not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The allegations made by Nizamuddin Bhat have not yet been independently verified, and no response from the National Conference or the accused has been made public.
The incident is expected to draw political attention as it comes amid ongoing discussions over coordination between the ruling alliance partners in Jammu and Kashmir.
