J&K Crisis: Governor Satya Pal Malik says, 'not changing Permanent Residency Rules in Jammu and Kashmir

Ahead of the political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, Governor Satya Pal Malik said his administration was not considering any changes to the legislation governing or PRC in the state. Governor Malik responded to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah who said his party would oppose any move aimed at changing the act.

"At the outset, I would like to mention that the government is not making or even considering any changes to the act governing permanent resident certificates in the state. It is an integral part of the legal structure of Jammu and Kashmir and there is no attempt whatsoever to tamper with this law," Mr Malik said in his letter addressed to Mr Abdullah.

"As for the matters in the rest of your letter, I would like to highlight that no changes in the procedural rules governing the issue of PRCs will ever be done without larger consultations with all stakeholders," the governor said.

The Permanent Residency Status is linked to the Constitution's Article 35A, which grants the state a special status. Article 35A has been challenged in Supreme Court its special status. Article 35A classifies people who are permanent residents in Jammu and Kashmir will enjoy special rights and privileges.

"It has been observed that many genuine applicants face avoidable difficulties in getting a PRC... It is in this context of having a hassle-free process of bonafide applicants that I believe the revenue department has sought comments from a few others," Mr Malik said.

Governor Malik also responded on Omar Abdullah remarks on the fax machine at the Governor's house not working, “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,” Malik said.

"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," Mr Abdullah had tweeted, along with his letter.

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