Jammu-based political leader Sunil Dimple on Tuesday criticized the Government of India for sidelining the elected administration of Jammu and Kashmir on crucial security matters. He expressed deep resentment over the exclusion of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his cabinet ministers from a high-level security review meeting convened by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Dimple termed the move as a “mockery of democracy,” questioning why the Union Home Ministry only invited the Lieutenant Governor, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Chief Secretary while completely bypassing the elected leadership of the Union Territory.
“It is a joke that the Chief Minister and his ministers, who have been elected by the people, were not even considered for such an important discussion. What message does this send to the people who participated in elections and chose their representatives?” Dimple remarked.
He further accused the central government of undermining democratic institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that such decisions raise serious concerns about the role and relevance of the elected government in policy-making and governance.
Dimple urged the Centre to respect the mandate of the people and ensure that elected representatives are given their due say in matters concerning the region. [KNT]
