Mudassir Kuloo
Srinagar, Dec 7: Peoples Democratic Party President, Mehbooba Mufti, on Friday claimed that Governor Satya Pal Malik was “encroaching” upon the democratic space of Jammu and Kashmir, even as she warned of agitation if divisional status was given only to Ladakh.
“When Satya Pal Malik was appointed, we expected that being a politician, he would be cautious in view of the state’s sensitiveness. But he has been taking decisions that are against the interests of the state,” Mehbooba told a press conference at her Gupkar residence.
“We don’t know whose agenda he is running in the state. He is issuing orders that are not in favour of the common man. Why is he hurriedly taking such decisions,” Mehbooba, the former chief minister of the state, said.
She was flanked by party leaders, Abdul Rehman Veeri and Rafi Ahmad Mir.
She said if Ladakh was given the divisional status, PirPanjal and Chenab Valley should also get it.
“We (all parties) have decided to go against such decisions. We will launch an agitation if Governor takes any such decision. PirPanjal and Chenab Valley should also be given then divisional status if Ladakh is giving as these two are far-flung and under developed areas. It seems Governor is not being advised properly by his team,” she said.
Calling for immediate rollback of various decision taken by Governor-led state administrative council (SAC), she said, “There are several decision regarding JK Bank being turned into a public sector undertaking, permanent resident certificates, Roshni Act, which will impact the poor people. Such decisions will have a negative impact in the state.”
Her reaction came after the SAC approved the proposal for treating the J&K Bank Limited as a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU).
Earlier, Governor said that his administration was not making or considering any changes in the procedures governing issuance of permanent resident certificates (PRCs) in Jammu and Kashmir, hours after former chief minister Omar Abdullah wrote a letter to the Governor over the “sensitive” issue.
Omar shot a letter to Malik following reports that “changes” were being proposed to the rules governing issuance of PRCs.
The PDP chief said she did not regret over the boycott of panchayat and urban local bodies polls.
Over reports that several other parties leaders including Muzaffar Hussain Beigh was mulling to leave the party, she said “Joining and leaving any party is an ongoing process. People leave and join parties before the polls.”
