Omar Abdullah’s NC Slams Centre Over Transfer Of J-K Officers: ‘Silence Shouldn’t Be Construed As Weakness’

Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting in protest against Lt Governor Manoj Sinha's unilateral transfer of 48 JKAS officers, which the NC views as a violation of the autonomy of the elected government.

Jammu-Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah called an emergency meeting of the ruling alliance in Srinagar amid Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha’s controversial decision to transfer 48 JKAS officers, including 14 additional deputy commissioners and 26 sub-divisional magistrates, without consulting the elected government. Following the meeting, the ruling NC warned New Delhi 'one last time' to let the elected government function without interference.

Addressing the media, NC’s chief spokesperson and Zadibal MLA, Tanvir Sadiq, cautioned the Modi government not to misinterpret their cooperation as weakness.

“Do not push us to the wall,” Sadiq warned, adding that this was the party’s last appeal, not as a request, but as a strong warning.

“Government must honour the people’s mandate. We have passed resolutions urging the Government of India (GOI) to respect the will of the people. While we maintain a cordial relationship with L-G, this should not be mistaken for weakness. We are trying to maintain dignity in governance, but this should not be read as our weakness,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma criticised the National Conference (NC) government for questioning the move and said that these transfers were conducted within his jurisdiction. The transfer of bureaucrats four days ago has triggered the latest flashpoint between the Raj Bhavan and the J&K government, which views the LG’s move as a violation of the legal and administrative framework under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.

“He has acted within his jurisdiction. These transfers are routine and in accordance with the law,” the BJP leader said while replying to a question on a meeting being called by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the issue.

Amid the ongoing row, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at the National Conference and said that it was focusing on who between them and the Lieutenant Governor is empowered to transfer officials rather than taking a stand on issues that really matter. Mufti accused Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led government of “surrendering” before New Delhi.

“People thought when the new government comes, it would protect their rights. Unfortunately, it has been six months, but it has not talked about the plight of the youth in jails, the termination of our employees, or the issues of daily wagers, unemployment etc. The government has shown cowardice in everything,” Mufti told reporters as quoted by news agency PTI.

Mufti said the J-K government itself is “responsible for this because as soon as the government was formed, they surrendered saying they do not want any confrontation with Delhi”.