Row over transfers: CM chairs meeting of coalition MLAs

Srinagar, Apr 4: Amid differences between J&K government and Raj Bhawan over transfers of 48 officers of Jammu & Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), the ruling alliance partners in the Union Territory on Friday passed a resolution urging New Delhi to respect public mandate. It also passed another resolution condemning the Waqf (Amendment) Bill-2025.
The MLAs of ruling alliance comprising NC, Congress, independents met here today morning under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss recent transfers of 48 JKAS officers by Lieutenant Governer- the move perceived as interference by the elected government.
The two-hour long meeting held at Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary’s official residence was attended by 46 MLAs and NC president Dr. President Dr. Farooq Abdullah.
After the meeting, NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq told reporters that they have passed a resolution urging the Government of India to respect the public mandate of J&K.
“We have reiterated our demand for the Government of India to respect the public mandate, which is non-negotiable,” he said.
He said New Delhi should construe their cooperation for weakness.
“Let there be no misunderstanding—our cooperation should not be mistaken for weakness. This is our final appeal, not a request but a resolute warning: Do not push us to the wall,” he said.
He said the meeting also condemned the Waqf Bill passed by the Parliament.
“This Bill is against Muslims and minorities in the country, and we oppose it,” he said.
MLA Bandipora and chief whip of Congress Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said both long-term and short-term issues were discussed in detail.
“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,” he said. (KNO)