Ajaz War/Bilal Bashir Bhat
New Delhi, June 05: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has given the green signal for the appointment of new Lt Governor for Jammu and Kashmir aimed at initiating a political process in Kashmir, halted since August 05, 2019, the day Article 370 and Article 35 A were abrogated.
Sources said that some 4-5 IPS/IAS retired officers who earlier served in Jammu and Kashmir on higher posts are in the list which has been passed by the MHA for appointment of new LG in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Since dynamics have changed a lot and situation is somewhat tough, especially after the abrogation of Article 370, there is a high need to restart a political process in Kashmir, for that purpose the Home Ministry is looking for a familiar face in this regard a list of some 4 to 5 IPS/IAS retired officers who earlier served in Jammu and Kashmir has been compiled and have has been forwarded for further action,” a senior officer of MHA said on basis on anonymity, adding, the file lies in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and we are expecting an official order in first week of July.
The officer further said that a number of politicians from several parties including bigwigs have given nod to initiate political process in Jammu and Kashmir subject to a new and familiar person as Lieutenant Governor.
“When the incumbent Lt. Governor Mr. G. C. Murmu was appointed , he had to douse the fires raged by scrapping of Article 370, which he did; but now in 2020, his presence seems to have become obsolete as he is not offering any refreshing aura now,” says a prominent political leader of Kashmir.
Meanwhile the erstwhile Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Mr. Satya Pal Malik has asked to refrain from commenting on Kashmir politics after a former Chief Minister of Jammu Kashmir blamed Home Ministry for “maligning their image” before public.
