SRINAGAR: A crucial meeting of Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling alliance partners, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, was held at the Deputy Chief Minister’s residence in Gupkar. The meeting, attended by National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, senior party figures, and Congress legislators, took place following the Lieutenant Governor’s decision to transfer 48 JKAS officers.
The ruling coalition has strongly opposed the LG administration’s move, labeling it as an overreach into the authority of the elected government.
However, the decision to focus on bureaucratic reshuffles rather than larger political concerns has sparked intense criticism from opposition leaders.
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Former Chief Minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti also hit out at Omar Abdullah’s government, accusing it of ignoring pressing public concerns. She questioned the logic behind convening an emergency meeting over “officer transfers” when people had voted for larger issues like the release of prisoners and restoration of rights.
She criticized the ruling coalition for failing to take a stand on key regional concerns, particularly the halt of the Srinagar-New Delhi railway service at Katra. “Did people vote for Patwaris’ transfers?” she asked, slamming the administration for what she termed political cowardice.
On the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha, Mufti accused the government of targeting Muslim institutions, calling it a systematic attempt to erase religious and cultural heritage. “This is nothing but loot,” she declared.
People’s Conference Chairman and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone also took a sharp swipe at the Omar Abdullah-led coalition government, questioning its authority and response following the Lieutenant Governor’s recent transfers of JKAS officers.
In a sarcastic post on X (formerly Twitter), Lone remarked, “The ruling alliance, after calling an urgent meeting, concluded it with a solemn resolve to continue working at the same pay scale.”
His comment appeared to ridicule the outcome of the emergency meeting convened by the National Conference (NC) legislators and their coalition allies in Srinagar, which was chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Meanwhile, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Pulwama MLA Waheed Para took aim at the National Conference, accusing the party of prioritizing control over officer postings instead of challenging post-2019 changes in J&K’s status.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Para remarked, “A party that once appointed its own Prime Minister and Head of State is now battling over Tehsildar appointments, not rights. The goalposts have not just shifted; they have hit rock bottom.”
Para criticized the NC-led government for surrendering to New Delhi, arguing that instead of demanding the restoration of J&K’s special status, the ruling coalition has normalized the post-2019 reality. He accused them of failing to take a firm stand by appointing their own Advocate General, nominating five MLAs, or insisting on a resolution for Article 370’s restoration.
Slamming the ruling alliance’s failure to safeguard historical and religious concerns, Para stated, “You didn’t defend July 13 (Martyrs’ Day), and the Waqf Bill was just empty talk. Now, the same cabinet that legitimized these bureaucrats during a month-long assembly session is suddenly complaining about them?”
