Incumbent upon officers to respect elected representatives, says J&K CM

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said it was the responsibility of every government officer to respect elected representatives, as they are chosen by the people.

His remarks came a day after National Conference (NC) MLA from Chadoora in central Kashmir, Ali Mohammad Dar, lodged a complaint against the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chadoora, alleging humiliation and disrespect.

On Saturday, a video went viral on social media showing Dar in an altercation with officials during a demolition drive targeting brick kilns in the district, which the administration claimed were operating illegally.

Responding to questions on the issue, the Chief Minister described the matter as a local dispute between the MLA and the district administration. “Whatever solution we can find, we will do,” he said.

However, Omar also underlined the importance of administrative sensitivity towards elected representatives. “The administration must remember that elected representatives do not fall from the sky. People elect them and send them to represent them,” he said.

“Behaving properly is not a compulsion, but it is a responsibility—of every officer, including me. I am the Chief Minister, and it is my responsibility to behave respectfully with elected representatives,” Omar added.

He further said that it was the administration’s duty to consult public representatives and carry out official work while taking their views into consideration.

According to officials, on Sunday Dar filed a formal complaint against the SDM, alleging misbehaviour during the demolition drive at Nowbug in Budgam district. He had reached the spot to protest the demolition and attempted to stop officials from carrying out the drive, leading to a heated exchange.

Meanwhile, on Monday, NC workers staged a protest against officials of the district administration over the incident, demanding action against those involved.