No Intention Of Providing Statehood: Local Parties On Centre Giving More Power To J-K LG

Srinagar: The Ministry of home affairs has recently granted additional powers to Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, which is expected to be held later this year. The powers include the transfer and postings of police officers, all India services and also the decisions pertaining to public order. The move is seen as the Union Governmen's decision to control law and order situation that has improved to a large extent, especially in the Kashmir Valley.

Sources say that this proposal was in line during the Lok Sabha polls, but due to model code of conduct in place, it could not go through and now it has been approved by the union government . The amendments in the section 55 of transaction of business in J&K Reorganisation Act means that the final nod will be given by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir on key issues pertaining to law and order in the union territory.

Speaking exclusively to Republic, National conference spokesperson Zeeshan Javed Rana has said that the recent MHA move is a blatant attack on the democratic principles of the country as the powers should remain with the people. Rana further told Republic that the job of representatives are being handed over to a nominated person. "This also clears the doubt whether Union Government will grant full statehood to the Jammu and Kashmir as this order shows that they want to keep the control with them  rather than giving it to the people", said Rana.

"We have termed this order as a blatant attack on the democratic principles of the country and have said that union government has no intention to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as promised by Prime Minister," Rana further added.