Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 4: In a subtle critique of the BJP-led Union Government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, the ruling National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir cautioned against misinterpreting its “cooperative stance” as a sign of “vulnerability.”
Tanvir Sadiq, the party’s chief spokesperson and MLA, addressed the media following a two-hour meeting of coalition legislators, emphasizing the party’s intent to collaborate with both the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Union Government.
“Our goal is to ensure good governance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir through coordination and cooperation, but our measured approach should not be mistaken for weakness,” Sadiq stated.
The meeting, attended by legislators from the National Conference, Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Independents, was called to address the fallout from the Lieutenant Governor’s recent decision to transfer 48 officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS). Sadiq underscored the democratic mandate given by the people, saying, “The residents of Jammu and Kashmir voted overwhelmingly for an elected government. Their mandate, wishes, and aspirations deserve respect, not disregard.”
He further accused certain elements of attempting to erode the authority of the elected government, calling it a “blatant insult” to the people’s will, and urged the Union Government and Lieutenant Governor’s administration to honor the democratic verdict.
“Please don’t push us to the walls,” Sadiq appealed, reiterating the Omar Abdullah-led government’s desire for constructive coordination to address public issues, while warning against perceiving its restraint as a lack of resolve.
Congress legislator Nizam-ud-Bhat, who participated in the meeting, echoed these concerns, alleging that “certain forces” were working to destabilize democratic institutions by undermining the elected government’s authority. “Today’s meeting, called by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressed both immediate and long-term challenges,” Bhat said. He affirmed the coalition’s unity, noting that all alliance MLAs stood firmly behind Omar Abdullah. Two senior Congress leaders, Tariq Hamid Karra and Ghulam Ahmed Mir, were absent due to prior commitments in New Delhi.
The coalition passed two significant resolutions during the meeting. One strongly opposed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, labeling it “anti-minority and anti-Muslim” due to its potential impact on Waqf properties and the Muslim community in J&K. The second resolution criticized recent administrative decisions by the Lieutenant Governor. Sadiq elaborated on the alliance’s firm stance against the bill, reflecting broader concerns for the region’s minority population.
The high-profile meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and attended by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, took place at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary in Gupkar, Srinagar. Cabinet ministers, all National Conference MLAs, four Congress legislators led by chief whip Nizamuddin Bhat, and Independents supporting the government were present. The gathering occurred against the backdrop of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s directive to reassign 48 JKAS officers, a move that has fueled tensions between the elected government and the administration. |
