NC Expels LAHDC CEC Dr. Jaffer Akhoon; Leader Alleges Political Vendetta, Hints at Joining BJP
Kargil, July 18, KNT: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Saturday expelled Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil, from the party’s primary membership for a period of six years, citing alleged anti-party activities.
In an order issued by National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, the party said the disciplinary action had been taken in view of Dr. Akhoon’s “anti-party activities” and to maintain organizational discipline.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Akhoon told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that he has not yet received any formal communication from the party and had learnt about his expulsion only through social media.
He alleged that the decision was taken at the behest of Ladakh Member of Parliament Hanifa Jan, claiming the MP was unhappy with the manner in which he had been functioning as the head of the LAHDC, Kargil.
“I have not received the expulsion letter officially. I have only come to know about it through social media,” Akhoon said.
Hinting at the possibility of aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Akhoon said his priority was the development of Kargil and that maintaining cordial relations with the BJP-led Central Government was essential for securing developmental projects.
“There is a Central Government headed by the BJP. Instead of confrontation, I believe in maintaining good relations with the Centre for the development of Kargil,” he said.
Akhoon also expressed disagreement with the National Conference’s political approach, saying he did not support what he described as the party’s close alignment with the Congress.
“I do not like the way the National Conference supports and advocates the Congress. The Congress has a history of confrontation with the BJP-led Central Government,” he said.
Claiming that he continued to enjoy overwhelming political support in Kargil, Akhoon said eight of the 12 councilors in the Hill Council were backing him.
“Eight out of 12 councilors are with me, and 99 per cent of the people of Kargil are with me, not with the National Conference,” he asserted.
The expulsion marks a significant political development in Ladakh, where differences within the National Conference have surfaced ahead of evolving political realignments in the region. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
