Castigating Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Syeed for surrendering the powers of Jammu and Kashmir to Legislate and weakening the autonomy of the state, working president National Conference and leader of the main opposition in Legislative Assembly, Omar Abdullah Monday said that involving Supreme Court on an issue (Beef-ban) which State Legislature has ample power to decide, is most unfortunate and dangerous trend let loose by PDP.
Talking to the electronic media on the sidelines of J&K Legislature Session here today, the former Chief Minister said that Mufti in his last term as Chief Minister of the State also referred Women Permanent Resident Bill to Supreme Court which is still pending decision there.
“Mufti wants same fate for beef ban issue to seek time to complete his term in office”, Omar said and added that National Conference would take all possible means to safe guard the powers and rights of the people and Jammu & Kashmir Legislature.
He said, “We will fully expose PDP’s double game plan and deceitful policy for lust of power”.
Omar Abdullah disclosed that as a game plan to subvert the rights and powers of legislators, the Mufti Government has rejected his question regarding 35-A which he had demanded to be answered in the state Assembly. He said since this Article is of high significance and importance for safeguarding the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370, he had asked the government whether it had engaged expert and reputed lawyers to defend 35-A in the Supreme Court but he was astonished to know that this question has been disallowed by the Speaker.
In reply to a question, Omar Abdullah Said today’s pandemonium in the legislative Assembly was due to partisan approach by the Speaker who did not allow discussion on the adjournment motion given by the National Conference asking the government to give reasons for sending the beef ban issue to the SC and surrendering the powers of Jammu & Kashmir Legislature to decide on the issue.
Omar said unless the space is given to opposition to discuss issues of public importance and seek replies from the government on such issues, the pandemonium will naturally be there and for this the Speaker and the government is fully responsible.
In reply to another question, the former Chief Minister said that National Conference is fully prepared to put forth its views on the beef bill, it has submitted in the legislative Assembly, “when it comes up for discussion in the Assembly we will explain its justification and necessity with full force. But presently we are much concerned for the surrender of legislative powers of Jammu and Kashmir State by Mufti Mohammad Sayed to get lease of life for his government at the cost of the autonomy of the State.