Dissenting JKNPP calls for Jammu shutdown over Justice Sagir Ahmad report

Jammu, Dec 28 (ANI): 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. (ANI)