Srinagar: The prevailing situation in Kashmir valley is likely to dominate the first day of special session of J&K Legislative Assembly on Saturday.
The J&K Governor, on the recommendation of Mehbooba Mfuti led cabinet, had called the special session of J&K Legislature to debate the extension of central Goods and Services Tax (GST) to Jammu and Kashmir state.
However, given the opposition the PDP-BJP coalition government faced over the step to implement GST in state, the session is likely to be postponed as the CM Mufti ordered formation of a non-government all-party panel headed by MP Muzaffar Hussain Baig to decide on the GST law.
The union government led by BJP is rolling out a pan India tax regime: One India, One Tax in form of GST from Ist July this year. However, the pro-India opposition parties and trade bodies have opposed the extension of the central law to the state.
Till now, J&K would decide on its own taxation laws, however, if the pan India GST is extended through 101th Indian constitutional amendment to J&K, those fiscal powers will be scrapped as it would be GST council whch will be authority to decise on taxes.
The resistance leadership termed the law as a plan “to cripple economy of J&K”.
However, the prevailing situation in Valley is likely to disrupt the session as three civilians were shot dead by Indian armed forces since last Thursday evening. At least fifty civilians were injured in forces action as hundreds of people tried to disrupt a cordon and search operation (CASO) in Arwani area of Kulgam district.
Three militants were killed in Arwani encounter when people tried to help them flee. The slain militants include Junaid Ahmad Mattoo of Khudwani Kulgam, Nasir Ahmad of Shopian and Adil Mir of Frestbal Pampore.
“We will try to take up all the issues including the prevailing situation in the session,” NC’s Khanyar lawmaker, Ali Muhammad Sagar told the FreePressKashmir.
More so, seven cops of J&K police including an SHO rank officer were killed in suspected militant actions in last thirty six hours.
“Our members are well aware of the ground situation and whatever they deem fit, they will raise the issues in the house,” Congress’ J&K unit chief, G A Mir, said.
As the lower house meets this morning at 10, the members will take obituaries following which Speaker headed Business Advisory Committee (BAC) shall decide on working of the assembly.
Baig headed panel is supposed to submit its report within two weeks.
J&K state draws its power to levy taxes from Section 5 of its constitution while other states draw their power to tax from Article 246 of the Indian Constitution.
