Srinagar, April 5 — A major reshuffle
ordered by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has sparked a political standoff with the newly elected Omar Abdullah government, which termed the move an "undue interference" in governance.
On Tuesday evening, while Eid celebrations were underway across the region, the L-G’s office issued orders transferring 48 middle-rung officers of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), including over 12 magistrates. It is the first large-scale transfer since Omar Abdullah took charge as Chief Minister in October 2024.
The timing and manner of the reshuffle have drawn sharp reactions from the ruling alliance. On Friday, 46 MLAs of the National Conference (NC), Congress, and independents met at Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary’s residence to pass a resolution demanding New Delhi respect the democratic mandate of J&K.
“Our cooperation must not be mistaken for weakness,” said NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq after the meeting.
“This is not a request—it is a final appeal. Do not push us to the wall.”
Sadiq also confirmed that the alliance condemned the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, calling it “an attack on Muslim and minority rights.”
Congress MLA and chief whip Nizam-ud-Din Bhat said the coalition was united on confronting both administrative and legislative encroachments.
“On matters of governance and faith, there is complete consensus in the ruling alliance. These issues must be resolved through dialogue with the Centre,” he said.
The transfer row comes weeks after the J&K government submitted a fresh draft of
Business Rules to the Ministry of Home Affairs via the L-G office, seeking to define administrative responsibilities under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Despite criticism, L-G Manoj Sinha stood by his decision. “Parliament passed the Reorganisation Act, and I have acted entirely within the framework laid out in it,” he told reporters Friday, defending his legal authority to order transfers.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister’s Adviser Nasir Aslam Wani on Saturday responded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s remarks on the transfer of 48 JKAS officers, stating that the J&K government is fully aware of its jurisdiction and committed to operating within the framework of the Reorganization Act.
“We also want the Business Rules and limitations defined under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, to be followed,” he said
The amended Transaction of Business Rules, introduced by MHA in July 2024, allow the L-G to approve postings and transfers of officers, but do not explicitly require such action without consultation with the elected government.
Observers say that unless clarity emerges on jurisdiction between Raj Bhawan and the elected administration, friction could escalate further in the months ahead.