Groups Threaten Hunger Strike Over L-G Powers in J&K

Multiple socio-political groups convened on Saturday to oppose the Union Home Ministry's recent order that enhances the lieutenant governor's powers in Jammu and Kashmir. They threatened a chain hunger strike if the order isn't revoked by month's end and called for the restoration of full statehood and assembly elections.

Several socio-political groups convened on Saturday to voice their opposition to the Union Home Ministry's latest order, which grants additional powers to the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The groups have threatened to initiate a chain hunger strike if the directive is not rescinded by the end of this month.

Expressing significant concern over the current security situation, the meeting paid homage to nine army personnel, including a captain, who were killed in recent terrorist attacks in Kathua and Doda districts. The gathering included notable figures such as former minister Gulchain Singh Charak, former MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, and representatives from various political parties including the Congress, National Conference, PDP, and Shiv Sena (UBT).

The assembly collectively condemned the Union Centre's order dated July 12, calling for its immediate rollback and the reinstatement of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir ahead of impending assembly elections. The Union Home Ministry has expanded the L-G's authorities by modifying the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, an act introduced simultaneous to the abrogation of Article 370 that bifurcated the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

This legislative move allows the lieutenant governor to make pivotal decisions on matters like police and all-India services officers and authorized sanctions for prosecutions. 'We demand an immediate rollback of this order by July 30,' stated Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Manish Sahni.

He emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has awaited assembly elections and the restoration of its statehood for five years. 'As the Supreme Court's deadline approaches, this order appears to be a tactical effort to govern J&K through the lieutenant governor,' Sahni added. 'A core committee will be established to develop future strategies after July 30,' he noted.

(With inputs from agencies.)