JAMMU, Nov 3: National Conference president and former chief minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday levelled serious allegations against Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, accusing him of sitting on official files and delaying administrative decisions, which he said was obstructing the proper implementation of government business rules in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Dr. Abdullah said that the Lieutenant Governor was not allowing key files to move forward, thereby hampering the functioning of the elected government. “He is sitting on the files. How many times will I tell him? Scores of files are pending with him and are not moving. I once told him that you have demoted the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). He said, ‘No, no, it has got its autonomy.’ It was a complete lie,” Abdullah remarked.
The veteran leader emphasised that the administration should respect the business rules and facilitate smooth governance. “I hope those who are sitting on the files will send them back. Business rules must be implemented, shouldn’t they?” he said, adding that the current dispensation was formed by the people’s mandate, and therefore its functioning should not be hindered. “This is the people’s government. The people have voted for it. The rules must be fully implemented,” he asserted.
When asked if the Lieutenant Governor was deliberately preventing the elected government from carrying out its duties, Abdullah clarified that it was not about direct obstruction but about unnecessary interference and delays. “It is not about stopping work but about interfering. It is the way he is dealing with things. He is delaying them, that is all he does. He must stop doing it. He should be a friend of the people and the government. That’s what he is sitting there for,” the National Conference president said.
Turning his attention to the larger political issue of statehood restoration, Dr. Abdullah renewed his appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood at the earliest, calling it essential for the region’s progress and public confidence. “God willing, that too will happen. It will happen soon,” he said. “I request the Prime Minister to be benevolent towards Jammu and Kashmir so that its difficulties are removed. We urge him to give special attention to the matter of statehood and ensure that it is restored as soon as possible.”
Dr. Abdullah also expressed hope that the reopening of the Civil Secretariat in Jammu would bring tangible benefits to the region. “I hope Jammu will get the greatest benefit from it,” he said, urging people to stand united for peace, prosperity, and equitable development across the Union Territory.