Terms it fallout of dual governance
Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,DD: National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former
Minister, Ajay Kumar Sadhotra, today strongly condemned the shocking police assault on Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer Azhar Khan, describing the incident as a shameful offshoot of the prevailing dual governance in the Union Territory.
Expressing deep anguish over the incident, Sadhotra, in a statement, said that such acts of high-handedness by against members of the civil administration are not only unacceptable but also deeply demoralising for the entire bureaucratic structure system.
He said that the incident exposes the alarming lack of coordination, discipline, and mutual respect.
Sadhotra demanded exemplary action against all police officers and personnel involved in the incident, asserting that accountability must be fixed at every level to ensure that such disgraceful episodes are not repeated.
This cannot be brushed aside as a routine altercation. It is an assault on the dignity of the civil services and the administrative ethos of Jammu and Kashmir. The strict action must follow swiftly and transparently, he said.
He expressed full solidarity with the protesting JKAS officers, who have been agitating against the assault and seeking justice for their colleague. He said that the JKAS cadre constitutes the backbone of governance in Jammu and Kashmir and that undermining their dignity and security will have far-reaching consequences on administrative morale and efficiency subjected to intimidation and physical assault, it sends out a dangerous message. He said that such incidents erode institutional confidence and create an atmosphere of fear.
Sadhotra said that the incident was symptomatic of the confused and uncoordinated system of dual governance prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of statehood. This unfortunate incident is a direct outcome, added.
Sadhotra urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to personally intervene in the matter and take the incident with utmost seriousness. There is need to act decisively, he said and cautioned that any attempt to downplay or treat the issue casually will only embolden those responsible and further deepen the sense of injustice among officers who are already working under challenging conditions.
He emphasized that good governance cannot thrive in an atmosphere of intimidation, and maintaining mutual respect between the police and civil administration is essential for a stable and efficient system. Both institutions are integral to public service delivery and the two must work in coordination, not in conflict, he said, restoring faith in governance. The LG must send a clear and unequivocal message.
Sadhotra said the party will continue to stand by those who work selflessly to serve the people. Justice must not only be done it must be seen to be done.
The officers of the JKAS deserve respect, protection, and a safe working environment, he added.DD
