Srinagar, April 4th : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday firmly defended his recent decision to transfer 48 Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officials, asserting that his actions are well within the framework of the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. Speaking at an event in Delhi, Sinha emphasized that he fully understands his constitutional limits and would never act beyond them.
His remarks come amid political tensions, as former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a legislature party meeting of the National Conference and its allies, including the Congress, in Srinagar on the same day. The meeting passed two key resolutions, one of which underscored the importance of respecting the people’s mandate—an apparent criticism of the Raj Bhavan’s issuance of transfer and posting orders.
In a widely circulated video clip from the Delhi event, Sinha is heard stating, “I want to make it absolutely clear that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act was enacted by Parliament in 2019, and I have not taken any action outside the provisions of this law. I am fully aware of my jurisdiction, and I will never act beyond my authority.”
The transfer of senior bureaucrats has sparked debate among political circles, with opposition parties viewing it as an overreach of gubernatorial powers.