Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Thursday said that the elected government in the Union Territory is functioning with limited powers and alleged that major administrative decisions are being taken by the bureaucracy rather than by the representatives elected by the people.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Handwara to condole the demise of the father of Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed, Choudhary said the recent demolition drive in Jammu would not have taken place had Jammu and Kashmir retained full statehood.
Referring to the demolition of structures in the Sidhra area, the Deputy Chief Minister questioned the timing and manner of the action, stating that the houses had existed for several years and were not constructed overnight.
“If these constructions were illegal, where were the concerned departments all these years?” he asked, describing the demolitions as unfortunate.
Choudhary further claimed that the elected government does not exercise authority over senior officers and alleged that bureaucrats are taking crucial administrative decisions without adequate political oversight.
Reiterating the demand for restoration of statehood, he said the Centre had promised to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood after the Assembly elections and should now fulfil that commitment.
The Deputy Chief Minister added that restoration of statehood and special constitutional safeguards would help protect the rights of the people and prevent such incidents in the future.
