Srinagar: The Raj Bhavan’s fax machine failed to accept PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti’s crucial fax on government formation last month, eventually leading to dissolution of the House. On Sunday it failed to accept former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah letter to governor Satya Pal Malik expressing his party’s concern over the reported changes being proposed to the J&K permanent resident certificate (PRC) rules. Whether or not the fax failure will lead to supposed changes to the PRC, only time will tell.
Omar said while he tried to send the letter through fax, but the machine was not working, saying the operator told him (Omar) the fax operator was on holiday as it was a Sunday.
“I’m trying to fax a letter to @jandkgovernor but the fax machine still isn’t working. The operator who answered the phone says the fax operator is on holiday as it’s a Sunday. Will attempt again tomorrow in the mean time am forced to put the letter out through social media,” Omar tweetd.
Reports said that the Jammu and Kashmir administration headed by governor Malik was contemplating to “simplify” the procedure for grant of PRCs.
“We are obligated to write to you at a time when you are mulling changes to the permanent resident certificate rules. Our party, the National Conference, is of the opinion that this is an attempt to distort the demography of the State and finds it detrimental to J&K’s special status. The State administrative council (SAC, is unilaterally bringing changes in the working of institutions and procedures, a practice that is against the principles and spirit of democracy and participative governance,” reads the letter.
“There are media reports that your administration is planning changes in the procedure for granting PRCs. The reports say that directions have already been issued to the concerned officials to make changes in the procedure pertaining to the issuance of these certificates.”
The letter further reads: “The National Conference believes this is objectionable and condemnable. In addition, it is a brazen act to further create mistrust among people here and can have serious ramifications for the prospects of peace and harmony in J&K.”
Moreover, this move comes at a time when the state does not have a popularly elected government, Omar says.
“The assembly has been dissolved and elections are due within months. This makes the move of your administration open to question as we believe the role of the government is more in the nature of a caretaker government,” he said, adding, “Our state is a sensitive state and any rnisadventure by the SAC could disturb the fragile and precarious peace here. It is highly unfortunate that no wider consultations with any political party of the state and other stake holders were carried out.”
He demanded roll back any decision made in this regard immediately. “We also want to convey and register our displeasure and a unanimous decision to oppose this move.”
