CM to chair crucial meeting of ruling alliance MLAs today

Srinagar, Apr 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened a crucial meeting of legislators of J&K’s ruling alliance on Friday morning here. The meeting is likely to discuss the alliance’s response over recent transfer of 48 officers of J&K Administrative Service (JKAS) by Lieutenant Governer and “delay” in restoration of statehood.
In a sudden move, National Conference chief whip Mubarak Gul on Thursday morning informed party MLAs that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would chair an important meeting of MLAs of the ruling alliance on Friday at Deputy Chief Minister’s Fairview residence here.
“Keeping in view the importance of the meeting, all the Hon’ble members are requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting on the aforesaid date, time and venue,” reads the notice.
Sources said the meeting has been convened to discuss recent transfers of 48 JKAS officers by LG Manoj Sinha-a move the elected government views as encroaching on its mandate.
When questioned about the emergency meeting of legislators called by the Chief Minister, NC spokesman and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said that the Prime Minister and other central leaders in Delhi have praised the mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that no one has the right to disregard this mandate. “We demand that the elected government be allowed to function without interference. As for the agenda of the meeting, it will be clarified tomorrow,” he added.
On April 01, LG ordered posting of 48 JKAS officers as Additional Deputy Commissioners, Sub- Divisional Magistrates and Assistant Commissioners Revenue.
Sources said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is upset over the move, perceiving it trespass in the domain of elected government.
Insiders suggest that Omar today wrote to the Union Government to express his displeasure over the transfers.
Sources said the issue of restoration of statehood is also likely to come up for discussions during the meeting.
“The Waqf bill and ongoing session of J&K assembly can also be discussed,” he said. (KNO)