Srinagar (Web Desk/Agencies): The Indian government imposed President’s Rule for the third time in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) starting from today (December 20) as the Governor’s Rule expired after six months it was imposed in the territory.
According to media reports, Indian President, Ram Nath Kovind imposed the President’s Rule in occupied Kashmir. Kovind signed the proclamation for the imposition of the President’s Rule in the occupied territory, which was under the Governor’s Rule since June after the collapse of PDP-BJP regime.
“President has received a report from Governor Satya Pal Malik and after considering it, he was “satisfied” that President’s Rule was required,” a gazette notification issued on Wednesday said.
It is worth mentioning here that last time the President Rule was imposed in occupied Kashmir was in 1996. President’s Rule was first imposed in the territory in 1986.
Governor's rule was imposed in the occupied valley in view of a political turmoil after the BJP withdrew its 25 legislators from the PDP-BJP ruling coalition, reducing PDP to minority.
On November 21, Malik dissolved the 87-member state assembly minutes before PDP could realign and stake claim with the backing of arch rival National Conference and Congress to form the government.
However, the governor is bound to dissolve the legislative assembly after six months, so that the state comes directly under president’s rule for the next six months. In case elections do not take place, then president’s rule can be extended by six months.
Earlier this week, curfew-like restrictions continued across occupied Kashmir following a renewed wave of killings by Indian troops.
On Saturday, Indian forces martyred at least 10 youth in Indian occupied Kashmir's Pulwama district, the Kashmir Media Service reported.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan, during a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday, urged to take the notice of grave human rights violations in Indian occupied Kashmir.
Moreover, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also condemned imposition of President's Rule after the Governor's Rule in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by the Indian government terming it another step in the continuity of Indian atrocities and barbarism.
In a statement, the foreign minister asked the world organisations and defenders of human rights to play their due role in urging India to stop its atrocities on innocent Kashmiris.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi also strongly demanded the UN Secretary General to immediately appoint a special representative on Kashmir issue.
