Srinagar, July 15 (KNS): Senior National conference leader Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan strongly opposes the central government's amendment to the Reorganization Act, which enhances the powers of the unelected Lieutenant Governor, including control over Police, Law and Order, and the posting and transfer of cadre posts of All India Services officers. He asserts that this change severely undermines the authority of the elected Chief Minister, reducing their role to a mere figurehead.

Chowdhary Ramzan highlighted, "Initially, the Prime Ministerial position was downgraded to Chief Minister, and the elected President was converted into Governor of the state. In 2019, the state was further demoted to a Union Territory. This latest move only further disempowers the people of Jammu and Kashmir."

"This situation mirrors the ongoing clashes between the elected Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor in Delhi, often resulting in court interventions," he added. "If the central government genuinely aims to win the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, implementing such laws is not the right approach. Rather than empowering the people, they are depriving them of their democratic rights.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel"

Chowdhary Ramzan emphasized that these amendments effectively strip elected representatives of their powers, making it difficult for them to serve the people effectively. "This amendment constitutes yet another assault on the limited remaining rights of the people. If such powers are vested in the LG, what purpose do elections serve?" he questioned.

He also reminded that the Home Minister, on the floor of Parliament on August 5, 2019, had promised that Jammu and Kashmir would be granted full statehood once the delimitation process was completed. Despite the completion of the delimitation process in 2022, instead of granting statehood and empowering people democratically, the government is stripping them of their rights.

"The enactment of such laws not only exposes their empty promises but also further deprives the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their democratic rights," he said.

He urged the central government to reconsider these amendments to uphold the democratic framework and enable elected officials to carry out their duties without hindrance. (KNS)