The Permanent Residency Status is linked to the Constitution's Article 35A. It classifies people who are eligible as permanent residents in Jammu and Kashmir and enjoy special rights and privileges
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Sunday said his administration is not considering any tweaking in the legislation governing permanent resident certificates or PRCs in the state.
Earlier, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said his party would oppose any move aimed at changing the act.
In a reply to Abdullah, Malik said: "It is an integral part of the legal structure of Jammu & Kashmir and there is no attempt whatsoever to tamper with this law. The government is not making or even considering any changes to the act governing permanent resident certificates in the state.”
The Permanent Residency Status is linked to the Constitution's Article 35A - which grants the state its special status and has been challenged in the Supreme Court. It classifies people who are eligible as permanent residents in Jammu and Kashmir and enjoy special rights and privileges.
Malik added that discussions and consutations should be considered for big decisions. “Consultations are essential so as to avoid any unnecessary apprehensions in the minds of anyone. To the best of my knowledge, nothing of the sort is being contemplated at the moment nor have any decisions been taken. However, in view of the concerns expressed by you, I will assure you that nothing will be done to modify the procedures for issuing PR certificates,” he said.
In his letter, Malik also advised Omar not to trust rumours, "As a senior political leader, would request you not to pay heed to such frivolous, unfounded reports which fuel unnecessary mistrust among people".
On Abdullah's remarks that the fax machine at the Governor's House was not working, Malik said, "Incidentally my fax machine was working and your fax was received and confirmed by my office while you were tweeting that it was not functional."
"I'm trying to fax a letter to @jandkgovernor but the fax machine still isn't working. The operator who answered the phone says the fax operator is on holiday as it's a Sunday. Will attempt again tomorrow in the meantime am forced to put the letter out through social media," Abdullah had tweeted, along with his letter.
I’m trying to fax a letter to but the fax machine still isn’t working. The operator who answered the phone says the fax operator is on holiday as it’s a Sunday. Will attempt again tomorrow in the mean time am forced to put the letter out through social media. pic.twitter.com/SykDQQPiOU
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah)Raj Bhavan clarifies that letter faxed by Sh. Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister J&K, was received by the Raj Bhavan and its receipt was confirmed to Sh. Tanvir Sadiq, Advisor to Sh. Omar Abdullah, at 3:44 PM today.
— Office of J&K Governor (@jandkgovernor)Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.