J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik transferred; appointed as Governor of Goa

Days ahead of the official bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories, namely Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh, J&K governor Satya Pal Malik has been transferred to Goa. Additionally, Girish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the lieutenant governor of Jammu Kashmir and Radha Krishna Mathur as lieutenant governor of Ladakh. 

READ: Governor position weak, can't speak heart out: J&K Guv Satya Pal Malik

Abrogation of Article 370

On August 5, the Government of India abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) into two union territories namely Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. The state will officially be a union territory on October 31. In the aftermath of the abrogation, Block Development polls took place in the state which saw a massive voter turnout of around 97%. While the India government claims that J&K, especially Kashmir valley is returning to normalcy, there have been reports of attacks by terrorists and clampdown in the valley. Government of India also restored postpaid mobile services in the valley.

READ: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik: 'We will dismantle terror camps in PoK

Satyapal Malik states Governor position is weak

On October 23, addressing the convocation ceremony of the Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra, Governor Satya Pal Malik stated in a light-hearted manner that the position of a Governor was “weak” and that he did not have the “authority” to hold press conferences or speak his heart out. Malik also accused the intelligence agencies of not telling the truth to the Centre and the state administration. Furthermore, he spoke about his candid interaction with many students in the state.  

Malik had said, "The position of a Governor is weak. This poor thing does not have the authority to hold press conferences or speak our hearts out. For three days, I remained anxious wondering whether my comments have not annoyed anyone in Delhi.”

READ: J&K: Tourists welcomed back to Valley, Guv lifts security advisory

READ: J-K: Satyapal Malik welcomes 7th pay commission implementation for J&K