Srinagar, July 13, KDC: The political figures in Jammu & Kashmir have voiced strong criticism against recent amendments made by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the Union Territory’s administrative rules.
According to Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com, the amendments, which grant significant powers to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) over key administrative appointments and decisions, have sparked outcry from leaders including Omar Abdullah, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, and Altaf Bukhari.
They argue that the changes undermine democratic principles and weaken the elected government’s authority, calling for unity among political parties amidst mounting concerns over the region’s future governance structure.
National Conference Vice President and Former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah expressed strong criticism of the recent amendments to Jammu & Kashmir’s administrative rules by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In a post on ‘X’, he stated, “Another indicator that elections are around the corner in J&K. This is why a firm commitment laying out the timeline for restoration of full, undiluted statehood for J&K is a prerequisite for these elections. The people of J&K deserve better than powerless, rubber stamp CM who will have to beg the LG to get his/her peon appointed.”
Waheed Ur Rehman Para, a prominent youth leader from the PDP, also took to ‘X’ to express his concerns. He posted, “Why hold elections in Jammu and Kashmir when the powers of the elected government are permanently delegated to an unelected administrator? This erosion of the People’s Representation weakens our democratic institutions permanently.”
In contrast to outright criticism, Altaf Bukhari, the Chief of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party and former Minister, called for unity among political parties.
He invited all parties to set aside their political differences and come together against the MHA’s decision for the larger interest of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KDC)
