Opposition Leaders Urge Caution on Expanded Telecom Powers for L-G in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress chief Tariq Hameed Karra has criticized the decision to expand Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s powers pertaining to telecommunications within the Union Territory, labeling it as a significant blow to the democratic governance structure established by the elected government. Karra expressed deep concerns regarding the delegation of extensive telecom authorities, including the capabilities for internet shutdowns, interception of communications, and network blockage, to an unelected body. This action, he argues, undermines the concept of elected governance and reinforces the notion that actual political power remains distant from local representatives.

Karra highlighted the contradiction between the stated commitment to restoring trust and promoting democratic empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir and the practical implications of this move, which he asserts centralizes authority away from the elected officials. He emphasized the need for democratically accountable governance, especially in a region that has experienced significant communication restrictions. He remarked, “Extraordinary powers without democratic accountability” not only raise policy concerns but also aggravate feelings of disenfranchisement among the populace.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary echoed similar sentiments, indicating skepticism about the Centre’s continuous delegation of telecommunication powers to the Lieutenant Governor. Choudhary referred to past events where similar interventions were perceived negatively by the public, suggesting that the current administration should be cautious and transparent regarding its actions. Following the Union government’s recent order empowering the L-G under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, concerns linger over the impact of such centralized control on public perception and the governance landscape in Jammu and Kashmir.