J&K CM Omar Abdullah Opposes LG Manoj Sinha Over Officer Transfers:

A serious dispute is unfolding between Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha over administrative control, particularly regarding officer transfers. In response to the escalating situation, Abdullah has called for an urgent meeting on Friday involving MLAs from the National Conference and its supporting parties.

Although the exact agenda of the meeting remains unconfirmed, it is widely believed that the issue of the Raj Bhavan's involvement in administrative affairs will be a central topic. Congress legislators, as coalition partners, have also been invited.

Trigger Point: Transfer of 48 JKAS Officers

The conflict intensified following the transfer of 48 officers from the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) by the LG. The Chief Minister has objected to this move, stating that it violates the governance structure under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.

Abdullah has formally written to LG Sinha, urging a review of the decision. According to him, the authority to transfer officers who do not belong to the All India Services cadre lies solely with the elected government. He further highlighted that such unilateral actions undermine the state government’s legitimacy and administrative control.

Appeal to Central Government and Internal Directives

Chief Minister Abdullah has raised the issue with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He conveyed concerns that continuous interference by the LG’s office, including the recent transfer orders, is diminishing the authority of the democratically elected government.

Additionally, Abdullah emphasized the need for prompt finalization of the Transaction of Business Rules, which had already received Cabinet approval on March 6. He directed Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to halt any transfer or posting of non-IAS officers without prior approval from the CM’s office. The transfer orders affecting the 48 JKAS officers have been asked to be put on hold.

Urgent Meeting Called by Chief Minister

The Friday meeting, announced by National Conference Chief Whip Mubarak Gul, is seen as a platform to express collective dissatisfaction with the LG’s recent decisions. Gul urged all members to attend, emphasizing the significance of the discussion.

This administrative standoff is one in a series of challenges faced under the current dual governance model in the Union Territory—a system Abdullah has previously criticized for creating operational inefficiencies.

Congress Extends Support to CM

In a statement of support, the Congress party also opposed LG Sinha's recent actions. Congress General Secretary and Legislative Party leader Gulam Ahmed Mir emphasized that the LG should have waited for the formal approval of the business rules before issuing transfer orders.

He reiterated that current procedures grant the Chief Minister the authority to manage local JKAS officer transfers, while senior IAS officer transfers fall under the LG’s purview. Mir warned that bypassing established protocols could destabilize public trust in the government.