Dissenting JKNPP calls for Jammu shutdown over Justice Sagir Ahmad report
Jammu:The Jammu and Kashmir National Partners Party (JKNPP)
on Monday called for a Jammu shutdown to protest the 'anti-people' report submitted by Justice Sagir Ahmad on Centre-State relations. JKNPP President Bhim Singh appealed
to the people of the region, and in particular the youth, to take part in the
shutdown. Former Jammu and Kashmir High Court Chief Justice Sagir Ahmad submitted
the much awaited report of Working Group of Centre-State Relationship last Wednesday,
more than three years after being asked to preside over a committee to look into
the issue. According to the recommendations, Justice Ahmad submitted that the
much-hyped slogan of 'Self-Rule' of Peoples Democratic Party could not be considered
in its entity. The report further states that Self-Rule appears to relate to 'Autonomy'
in a wider context, which can be considered by the Central Government if and when
approached with documents containing specific proposals of the "Self Rule." "The
document should be on record." On the issue of abrogation of Article 370, which
provides special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Ahmad recommended,
that it is for the people of the State to decide how long to continue with it
in its present form. On the issue of Autonomy as proposed by the National Conference,
Justice Ahmad has said it can be examined in the light of the 'Kashmir Accord'
or in some other manner or on the basis of some other formula as the present Prime
Minister may deem fit and appropriate so as to restore the 'Autonomy' to the extent
possible. Dealing with the all important question of increase in the number of
Assembly seats and De-limitation Commission, Justice Ahmad recommended that since
the Constitutional provisions do not allow any change upto the year 2026, the
present position may be maintained till then. On the question of the appointment
of the governor and the dismissal of a popular government by the governor, he
said it may be considered and resolved. On the question of the term of the Legislative
Assembly of the State, which is six years, Justice Ahmad suggested that any change
in the term of the Assembly would require political consensus and could be effected
only through a Constitutional Amendment. Responding to the demand of Representation/Reservation
for Scheduled Tribe and Women in the Assembly, the panel recommended use of the
national pattern subject to political consensus as a guide. After accepting the
report, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asked Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Ali Mohd Sagar to go through the recommendations of the report and in consultation
with the Union Government prepare an action plan for its implementation. Last
Thursday, the JKNPP had rejected the recommendations made by Justice Ahmad. JKNPP
President Bhim Singh had then called for an emergency party meeting to discuss
the issue.
