Srinagar, Sep 11, KNT: Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Wednesday alleged humiliation at the office of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner after being made to wait repeatedly without being granted an audience.
According to the eyewitness account of senior journalist Sanam Aijaz, the MLA reached the SMC Commissioner’s office around 11:45 AM and inquired from the Personal Secretary (PS) about the Commissioner. The PS informed him that the officer was on his way. By 11:55 AM, when the Commissioner arrived, Nizamuddin asked an orderly to convey his wish to meet. However, the orderly returned stating the Commissioner had asked him to wait.
After about 15 minutes, the MLA once again requested the PS to remind the Commissioner. The orderly went inside but returned sharply saying the Commissioner was busy. A further wait of 15 minutes brought no relief, and when the MLA again pressed the PS, he was told to keep waiting.
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Frustrated, the MLA reportedly responded, “How much more humiliation will you subject me to?” before leaving the office in disappointment.
The senior journalist told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the role of the Commissioner’s Personal Secretary was very positive, but despite his efforts, he could not help the MLA. The journalist further revealed that Nizamuddin later complained to him that he should not have made the incident public.
Reacting to the episode, former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu expressed strong disapproval. “I am appalled by the unruly behaviour meted out to an Hon’ble MLA and senior leader at SMC today. Our officers need to understand that times WILL change. Today they have an incentive to disrespect and humiliate the political class. Tomorrow they won’t,” Mattu stated. [KNT]
