Srinagar, Sept. 25 -- J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Thursday, on the floor of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly, sought clarity from the Speaker on the constitutional standing of MLAs under the Union Territory framework.

Addressing directly to the Speaker, A R Rather, Lone asked: "Today we are MLAs of a UT. My question is for you, sir, and no one else. What are our rights? Do we have any privilege?".

He was reacting to the 'overt diversion of constituency development funds' and the 'bypassing of elected MLAs' in favour of ministers belonging to the ruling party. "If I, as an MLA, the representative of Handwara Assembly, give a list stating that these works need to be done, is that privilege mine ...