Governor rule imposed in India-occupied Kashmir

NEW DELHI: Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday approved imposition of governor’s rule in Occupied-Kashmir, a day after the Bharatiya Janata Party pulled out of its alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the occupied valley.

After the fresh orders, governor NN Vohra will be presiding over the state. He’s doing do for the fourth time, having overseen governor’s rule in 2008, 2015 and 2016.

On Tuesday, following the BJP’s withdrawal, the PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti submitted her resignation as Jammu and Kashmir chief minister to governor Vohra.

Mehbooba Mufti told reporters after quitting: “I am not shocked as this alliance was never for power. PDP never believes in power politics and we worked for the people.” Defending her rule, she also said a “muscular policy will not work in Jammu and Kashmir”.

The BJP pulled out the alliance saying it was “untenable” to continue.

“It has become untenable for the BJP to continue its alliance government in Jammu and Kashmir, hence we are withdrawing,” BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said at a press conference.

According to Hindustan Times, a union minister said the government will adopt a more aggressive approach not only inside occupied Kashmir but also along the Line of Control and the International Border as well.

A former army commander, who has served in the Occupied-Kashmir, said security forces will have more freedom in launching operations against separatists under the governor.

“The Unified Command will be under the governor, instead of the CM. This means political sensitivity won’t come in the way of operations,” said a retired commander while speaking to HT.