India boosts powers of IIOJK Lt Governor before installation of rubber stamp CM
New Delhi: India has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, granting more authority to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, President Droupadi Murmu has approved the amendments, proposed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which came into effect on July 12.
The move is seen as preparation for the installation of a rubber stamp assembly and chief minister after sham elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The amendment increases the LG’s power over transfers and postings of all-India service officers, including IAS and IPS, police, law and order, and the appointment of judicial officers. The new sub-rule (2A) specifies that proposals requiring the Finance Department’s concurrence on matters like ‘Police,’ ‘Public Order,’ ‘All India Service,’ and ‘Anti-Corruption Bureau’ must be presented to the LG through the Chief Secretary.
Omar Abdullah, National Conference (NC) Vice-President criticized the move, stating that Jammu and Kashmir deserves better than a powerless chief minister. “Another indication that elections are around the corner in J&K… The people deserve better than a powerless, rubber stamp CM who will have to beg the LG for to get his/her peon appointed,” he said on social media.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader and former Indian Minister questioned Narendra Modi’s rhetoric to restore full statehood to occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
