Omar Abdullah Calls Emergency Meeting Over LG’s JKAS Transfers
Srinagar, April 3, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has convened an emergency meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) Legislative Party and its allies, including the Congress, to address concerns over the recent transfer of 48 JKAS officers by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration. The meeting is scheduled for Friday at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary in Srinagar.
Concerns Over LG’s Authority
The transfers, ordered by the LG without consulting the elected government, have sparked discontent within the ruling coalition. Sources close to the Chief Minister argue that the transfer of JKAS officers falls under the purview of the elected government, not the LG. This marks the second instance of such action by the LG administration, with similar transfers occurring during Omar Abdullah’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia last year.
A senior National Conference leader described the move as an overreach by the LG, stating, “The LG’s decision undermines the authority of the elected government and disrupts administrative harmony.”
Agenda for the Emergency Meeting
While the primary focus of the meeting will be the transfer orders, insiders suggest that other sensitive issues, including governance disputes and the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Bill, may also be discussed. The bill, which has sparked widespread debate, is seen by many as a threat to local autonomy and religious institutions.
Political and Administrative Implications
The ongoing friction between the Chief Minister’s Office and the LG’s administration highlights the challenges of governance in Jammu and Kashmir under the Reorganisation Act of 2019, which vested significant powers in the LG. The elected government has repeatedly contested what it perceives as interference in civil administration.
