A day after Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha defended his decision to transfer middle-rung officers claiming he acted within his jurisdiction, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Advisor, Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday said the elected government is well aware of its boundaries.
“We also know our jurisdiction,” said Wani, a close aide of the Chief Minister.
He said the ruling alliance had already made its position clear during a meeting held on Friday.
The ruling alliance cautioned the Centre against undermining the authority of the democratically elected government.
“Our stand remains the same. Let’s see what happens in future,” Wani told reporters in Srinagar.
When asked about LG Sinha’s remarks that his actions were in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act passed by Parliament, CM's advisor responded that the elected government also wants governance to proceed strictly in line with the Act and the established Business Rules.
“We are not talking outside of that framework,” he said.
The standoff between the Chief Minister's office and the LG escalated on April 1, when Sinha issued transfer orders for 48 officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services while the state administration was engaged in Eid celebrations.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah subsequently wrote to the Union Home Minister, alleging that the LG’s move lacked legal backing and violated provisions of the Reorganisation Act.