Former chief minister and vice-president of National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah, on Sunday urged the Governor, Satyapal Malik, to roll back any proposal to make changes in the Permanent Resident Certificate (PRC) rules as this was being seen as an attempt to distort the demography of the state and detrimental to J&K’s special status.
In a letter to Malik, Omar said that the State Administrative Council (SAC) is “unilaterally” bringing changes in the working of institutions and procedures, a practice that is against the principles and spirit of democracy and participative governance.
“There are media reports that your administration is planning changes in the procedure for granting PRCs. The reports say that directions have already been issued to the concerned officials to make changes in the procedure pertaining to the issuance of these certificates.
“The NC deems it objectionable and condemnable. In addition, it is a brazen act to further create mistrust among people here and can have serious ramifications for the prospects of peace and harmony in J&K.
“Moreover, this move comes at a time when the state does not have a popularly elected government. The assembly has been dissolved and elections are due within months. This makes the move of your administration unethical.
“Our state is a sensitive state and any misadventure by the SAC could disturb the fragile and precarious peace here. It is highly unfortunate that no wider consultations with any political party of the state and other stake holders were carried out.
“We hope that you roll back any decision made in this regard immediately. We also want to convey and register our displeasure and a unanimous decision to oppose this move,” Omar added.