Defending the recent administrative reshuffle in Jammu and Kashmir, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and senior BJP leader Sunil Sharma on Friday came out in strong support of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s move to transfer 46 JKAS officers.
Talking to reporters here, LoP Sharma said, “Such decisions fall well within the purview of the LG’s authority and are in line with the governance mechanism of a Union Territory.”
He said that there is no need for political controversy over transfers of officers, particularly those associated with maintaining law and order. “Transfers have been taking place in the past and will continue in the future. J&K is a Union Territory where the LG holds administrative powers, especially in areas related to law and order,” he said.
He said that officers like Sub Divisional Magistrates, Additional Deputy Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners possess magisterial powers and their postings are directly handled by the LG. “Any transfers aimed at improving law and order should not be opposed by any political party or legislator. The Centre has worked tirelessly to bring stability in the region, and the situation has improved considerably over the years,” Sharma said, as per KNO.
Referring to the ruling National Conference Sharma said, “The NC is a regional party from Kashmir… a small party. If they are holding meetings, we have no objection to it and don’t wish to comment on it.”
He added that apart from law and order-related postings, other departmental transfers—like those of engineers, directors, and lecturers—are routine matters handled by the NC-led government. “They have recently changed the Director of Education and Director of Health. These are administrative decisions and should be seen as such,” Sharma said.
“People of J&K are witnessing real change and should not be misled by unnecessary political narratives. The LG is acting within his mandate,” he added—(KNO)
