President’s rule to be imposed in Jammu and Kashmir post December 19 midnight

President’s rule will be imposed in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since 1966 after Ram Nath Kovind signed a proclamation that ordered the imposition of central rule in the state from midnight on Wednesday, reported news agency PTI.

The state, which had plunged into a political crisis after BJP withdrew its support from the Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP government, was under the Governor’s rule for the last six months which is set to expire on December 19.

The president rule will come into force from midnight on Wednesday, said an official order from the government.

The Union Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken the decision on Monday after Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik sent a report to the centre recommending the imposition of the President’s rule in the state.

Malik had earlier dissolved the 87-member State Assembly on November 21 citing the “impossibility of forming a stable government by the coming together of political parties with opposing ideologies.” The PDP backed by the Congress and their arch-rivals National Conference had all staked claim to form the government.

The Supreme Court had also dismissed a petition that challenged the Jammu and Kashmir Governor’s decision to dissolve the government.

Since Jammu and Kashmir has a separate constitution, six months of governor’s rule is compulsory in the state after the assembly has been dissolved. During the Governor’s rule, all legislature powers are vested with him.

But after the proclamation, all the legislative powers of the state shall be exercised by the Parliament.

Also read: PDP going with BJP in Jammu and Kashmir was suicidal, says Mehbooba Mufti