Srinagar, Dec 17 (KNO): Senior National Conference (NC) leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pampore, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi, has raised concerns over the existence of “two power centres” in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that there is a dire need that the democratically elected government must be taken into confidence while decisions pertaining to the erstwhile state are taken at the highest level.
Speaking exclusively to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Masoodi said that the mandate of the people must be respected in both spirit and practice. “The elected government is to be taken into confidence on all major decisions. Technicalities aside, the constitutional propriety and democratic practices must be upheld,” he said. Drawing parallels with democratic conventions observed at the national level, Masoodi highlighted the need for consensus-driven governance.
“There are practices in place, even without written laws. For instance, the Prime Minister briefs the President after visiting foreign nations, and the Speaker consults floor leaders before parliamentary sessions. Similarly, in Jammu and Kashmir, decisions must involve the elected government,” he said.
Masoodi's statement has come at a time when speculations are rife over the widening wedge between the NC led dispensation and LG administration. Chief Minister. Omar Abdullah last week said that the dual mode of governance could serve as a recipe for disaster amid reports the LG office is not consulting the NC led government over various matters related to JK's governance system.
On the issue of statehood, Masoodi dismissed arguments that administrative hurdles or cadre reorganization could delay its restoration. “These are excuses,” he added, stressing that there are no impediments to restoring Jammu and Kashmir to its pre-August 5, 2019, status. “A clear commitment was made on the floor of the House and reiterated before the Supreme Court. The government must fulfill this pledge.”
Masoodi also pointed out that the Supreme Court refrained from examining Parliament's competence to downgrade J&K’s statehood due to assurances from the Solicitor General. “They persuaded the Court not to address the question, citing the promise of statehood restoration. Now it doesn’t lie in their mouth to create unnecessary delays.”
When asked about the National Conference's course of action should statehood restoration remain stalled, Masoodi made it clear that legal avenues remain open. “I am a petitioner in the Supreme Court. The option to revisit the issue judicially is very much available. What is however important is that we will keep articulating our views, advocating for the democratic and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said—(KNO)