L-G, Omar Govt Clash Over Martyrs' Day

SRINAGAR: Tensions between Omar Abdullah’s government and the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration resurfaced on Sunday after the latter imposed stringent measures to curb commemorative gatherings for Kashmir Martyrs’ Day, marking the 1931 killing of 22 Kashmiris by the Dogra army.

The Jammu and Kashmir police, citing security concerns, denied ruling National Conference (NC) leaders including ministers access to Mazaar-e-Shuhada or ‘martyr’s cemetery’ situated in the Khawaja Bazaar quarter of central Srinagar. It detained scores of political workers of the NC and some mainstream opposition parties including People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Under the direction of the Lieutenant Governor administration, even the movement of several ministers and lawmakers was restricted with strong contingents of police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed outside their residences to ensure they did not leave their homes to visit the martyrs’ cemetery for Martyrs’ Day commemorations.

These measures drew sharp criticism from Abdullah who called the actions “blatantly undemocratic.” Other NC leaders and those of the opposition parties including PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti and J&K People’s Conference’s Sajad Gani Lone condemned the restrictions as authoritarian, and some of them, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between the L-G administration and the elected government.

The spar reflects broader governance tensions in J&K, exacerbated by the dual leadership structure of the Union Territory, where the L-G holds significant powers, including control over police and law and order and transfer of government functionaries and officers, often clashing with the elected government’s authority.

Earlier instances, such as disputes over the Advocate General’s appointment and officer transfers, have also highlighted this friction, with the L-G’s decisions perceived as curtailing the elected government’s mandate. The absence of clear business rules defining the roles of the L-G and the Chief Minister further fuels such conflicts, as does the ongoing delay in restoring statehood, which Chief Minister Abdullah has repeatedly demanded.

The Chief Minister posted some of the pictures of the police crackdown on his party lawmakers and workers on social media and said, "To borrow from the late Arun Jaitley Sb - Democracy in J&K is a tyranny of the unelected. To put it in terms you will all understand today the unelected nominees of New Delhi locked up the elected representatives of the people of J&K.”

While Abdullah faced a significant derision over his “limited authority” from opposition activists, some social media users mocked his apparent helplessness, with many using the local slang "lori dastar" to label him as a powerless figurehead despite being the head of the government. This term, reflecting the perceived emasculation of his authority, gained traction online, amplifying criticism of his inability to counter the L-G’s dominance.

However, a segment of the public expressed sympathy for his predicament, acknowledging the constraints imposed by the Lieutenant Governor administration. Conversely, others urged Abdullah to resign, arguing that stepping down would preserve his dignity and prevent further erosion of his authority in the face of the L-G’s overriding control. This polarized response too highlighted the broader governance tensions in J&K, with Sinha’s actions fueling debates about the elected government’s efficacy and Abdullah’s leadership.

Meanwhile, Sinha has, once again, asserted that the J&K Reorganisation Act clearly defines the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government. “I want to make it absolutely clear, and I say this with full responsibility that apart from law and order, police, and policy matters, I do not have charge of any other department,” he said in an interview to a TV news channel.

“All departments related to development—be it finance, education, health, power, or agriculture—are under the government’s purview. There is no obstruction from my side. Any proposal that serves public interest and is brought by the government, I approve,” he said.

Sinha, however, acknowledged that minor confusion exists between Raj Bhavan and the Abdullah government but added that the matter will be resolved through formal communication.

He said, “The J&K Reorganisation Act clearly defines the powers of the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government, including the Chief Minister. Any minor confusion that exists is being addressed through formal communication between the government and Raj Bhavan. I believe this clarity will emerge soon.”