Srinagar, July 3(KNS): Fresh cracks have emerged within the ruling National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance in Jammu and Kashmir after a heated confrontation during an official review meeting in Bandipora, with Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat alleging an assault by National Conference workers, while NC leader Jalal Akbar Lone has categorically denied the accusations and claimed he intervened only to prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.

 

Addressing a press conference following the incident, Bhat alleged that Jalal Akbar Lone, brother of Sonawari MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, along with several supporters, forcibly entered the review meeting at the Naidkhai Block Office, disrupted official proceedings, damaged property and attempted to intimidate him as well as government officials.

 

The Congress legislator said the meeting had been convened to review the implementation and expenditure of various developmental works, including projects under the Rural Development Department and a proposed sports stadium. According to him, some participants initially objected to the proceedings and walked out before returning with additional supporters, leading to chaos inside the meeting hall.

 

Calling the incident an attack on democratic institutions, Bhat urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene personally and ensure action against those responsible. He warned that failure to act could have political implications for the NC-Congress alliance and sought legal action, describing the disruption of an official meeting and the alleged attempt to assault an elected representative as serious offences.

 

Hours later, Jalal Akbar Lone addressed a separate press conference, rejecting all allegations levelled against him.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe said he had no intention of confronting the MLA and reached the venue only after local party workers informed him that tensions were escalating during the meeting.

 

Lone maintained that his only objective was to defuse the situation. He claimed he repeatedly appealed to party workers to leave the premises peacefully, fearing the large crowd that had gathered outside could lead to violence.

 

He also levelled counter-allegations against the Congress MLA, claiming Bhat attempted to snatch the weapon of a police security officer during the commotion an allegation to which the MLA has not publicly responded. Lone further alleged that Bhat used inappropriate language against local youth after leaving the meeting and said he possessed video footage that he intended to release to the media.

 

Expressing regret if Bhat felt offended by his actions, Lone said he was prepared to face any inquiry if found guilty. However, he accused the MLA of politicising an official review meeting, insulting National Conference workers, discriminating in the allocation of developmental works and awarding several projects to individuals close to him. These allegations could not be independently verified.

 

The confrontation has exposed fresh tensions within the ruling NC-Congress alliance, raising questions over coordination between the coalition partners at the grassroots level.

 

As of filing this report, neither the district administration nor the police had issued an official statement on the incident, and the allegations and counter-allegations made by both sides remain independently unverified.(KNS).