Examiner Bureau | Kulgam:
Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo on Wednesday questioned the authority under which PDP president Mehbooba Mufti and J&K Waqf Board Chairperson Darakhshan Andrabi recently conducted meetings and review visits at AIIMS, stating that such actions were not backed by any official mandate.
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, Sakina said individuals not holding executive office should refrain from projecting authority or conducting official-style reviews.
“With what authority are they holding meetings? They are neither ministers nor part of the government. They should understand their position. I see these actions as a reflection of frustration,” she said.
The minister maintained that elected representatives entrusted with governance are responsible for reviewing institutions and addressing administrative matters, adding that those outside government should respect institutional protocols.
Reaffirming the National Conference (NC) government’s commitment to public welfare, Sakina said the administration led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been actively addressing key public issues and working towards fulfilling its electoral commitments.
“The people have given us a mandate to govern. Thousands of issues have come before us, and many have already been resolved. Genuine public demands will be addressed in a phased and timely manner,” she said.
On the issue of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said the government has consistently pursued the matter over the past 19 months through dialogue and democratic means.
She further announced that the National Conference would intensify its campaign for statehood restoration, stating that party legislators would stage a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
“Our efforts for the restoration of statehood and fulfilment of commitments made to the people will continue. We will raise the issue democratically and peacefully until the promise is fulfilled,” she said.
