Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, May 27: Political activities in Jammu and Kashmir have resumed amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Rumours are making rounds that Lieutenant Governor of J&K may get a political advisory council.
According to the media reports Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari is the strong contender to head the council which would comprise of the leaders from Kashmir as well as Jammu.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Till now nothing has been announced officially but it seems that something is cooking up and surprise could be on cards. National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah flying to New Delhi has added a new dimension to the entire process.”
He said, “Omar has claimed that his visit to New Delhi is apolitical. But nothing can be ruled out.”
An observer said, “Having a political council in place is not a bad idea as it will help in empowering the people of J&K politically. They will have someone to go and seek redressal of their grievances. Altaf Bukhari emerging as the front runner to head the council is no surprise. He has been in the race from day one.”
He said, “Cracks have already appeared in National Conference with its senior leader and former MLA, Aga Ruhullah, reacting sharply to his party leaders (Farooq and Omar Abdullah) maintaining silence over the abrogation of Article 370. The NC may not find a place in the new council which is being talked about. It seems to be reserved for the people who have accepted the change and are keen on making an attempt to pull out J&K from the quagmire of uncertainty. Ones who will flog the dead horse may find it difficult to make their presence felt on the new political arena of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The observer said, “ If we analyze the statements of Omar Abdullah in the recent past it seems that he wants to become friendly with New Delhi. But before he goes ahead, he will have to ensure that there is no rebellion within his party. The NC despite all odds has remained intact post August 5, 2019, and it has not fallen apart like its bete-noire, Peoples Democratic Party.”
Another analyst said, “Revival of political process in Jammu and Kashmir has been long overdue. If Centre waits for delimitation to get completed it could prove to be a long wait. Assembly elections in J&K are still far away. A stop-gap arrangement can work till polls are held.”
