Mohammad Akbar Lone

Mohammad Akbar Lone is an Indian politician in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and belongs to National Conference political party. He was a cabinet minister in the Omar Abdullah government and had portfolio of higher education.^[1][2] Previously he had served as the speaker of Jammu & Kashmir State Assembly from 2008 to 15 January 2013^[1][3]

Controversy

Lone is known for his outspoken attitude. He has reportedly used abusive language against PDP MLA Molvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari^[4][5] Previously also he has accused PDP president and the opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti of indulging in cheap politics.^[6] As a speaker Lone had also reportedly attacked the then Deputy Speaker Sartaj Madni, asking him to resign and become spokesperson of PDP.^[7]

Akbar Lone is known for his negative attitude toward the media.^[8] On 27 February 2012, Lone made a controversial statement saying that media is under his control inside the J&K assembly.^[9] He said this during a discussion in the question hour about a story on Health and Floriculture ministry by a local newspaper. The source of the news was kept secret by the newspaper and the Health and Floriculture minister demanded it to be revealed. When few other ministers pointed that media can not be forced to reveal the source, Lone mentioned that media is under his control. This led to the boycott of the assembly by J&K media for two days.^[10] Boycott was called off after Lone clarified his statement.^[11]

References