President's rule in Jammu and Kashmir revoked

Srinagar : The President's rule that was imposed on undivided Jammu and Kashmir has been revoked on Thursday after it was bifurcated into two Union Territories.

The two UTs of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh come into existence on Thursday; 86 days after the Indian Parliament had scrapped Article 370 of the Indian constitution that gave special status to J&K.

“In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (2) of article 356 of the Constitution, I, Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, hereby revoke the proclamation issued by me under the said article on the 19th December, 2018 in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir,” the official notification said.

In June 2017, the Center rule was imposed after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had resigned from her post when the BJP withdrew its support to PDP led government.

The first central rule as ‘Governor’s rule’ continued for six months. After six months, President’s rule was imposed for next six months which was subsequently extended with the approval of Parliament.

Article 356 of the Constitution under which President’s rule is imposed in a State, is not applicable in Union Territories.

G.C. Murmu and R.K. Mathur have been sworn-in as first Lt Governors of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh respectively on Thursday.