Soon after a crucial meeting at Deputy Chief Minister’s Fairview residence—chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and attended by around 46 MLAs—the ruling National Conference (NC) issued a stern warning to the central government. The party urged New Delhi “one last time” not to undermine the people’s massive mandate in J&K and to allow the democratically elected government to function without interference.
The meeting was convened to discuss the political and administrative implications of the recent transfer of 48 JKAS officers by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Speculations had been rife that the alliance would deliberate on its future course of action in response to the LG administration’s decision.
Soon after the meeting concluded on Friday afternoon, NC’s Chief Spokesperson and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, accompanied by Congress leader and MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, addressed the media.
“Today’s meeting focused on key issues, including the Waqf Bill passed in Parliament. This Bill is against Muslims and minorities in the country, and we oppose it. Another critical issue was the mandate given by the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the NC-led government. We have once again demanded that the Government of India respect this mandate—it is non-negotiable. These two resolutions were unanimously passed today,” Tanvir told reporters.
Stating that the Centre should not misconstrue their cooperation as weakness, Tanvir added, “We are making this appeal for the last time—not as a request but as a firm warning: Do not push us to the wall.”
Congress leader Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, who also attended the meeting, told reporters that both long-term and short-term issues were discussed in detail. “Some senior leaders couldn’t attend, but I was mandated to represent the Congress alongside other leaders,” he said.
“All MLAs in the government stand firmly behind the leader of the House. On sensitive matters like the Waqf Bill and public mandate, there is unanimous agreement that these issues must be resolved through dialogue with the Centre.”—(KNO)
