Accused of inciting hate, NC leader faces police action

The authorities here have recommended filing a case against a National Conference leader for allegedly inciting hatred at Omar Abdullah’s rally in Ganderbal on Saturday.

Nodal officer, Model Code of Conduct, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani recommended registering an FIR against Mohammad Ashraf Ganaie, former sarpanch, for using the term “assassination” during an election speech at Kachan.

Ganaie, during a rally, said “We can kill” anyone for disrespecting the party flag. In a video, which formed the basis of the complaint, Ganaie was, however, promptly stopped by Abdullah and prevented from addressing the rally further.

“Given the gravity of the situation, it is recommended that stringent action be taken and an FIR should be lodged against the culprit under the applicable laws for promoting hatred through his speech and violating the MCC,” the nodal officer said in the letter to the concerned official.