SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s deputy mayor Sheikh Imran received a major setback on Monday when a sizeable number of councillors moved a no confidence motion for his removal from the coveted post.
Imran, who is under detention since August 5 after the abrogation of Article 370, was said to be not competent for bringing a change in the city.
“He was not performing, so we want to remove him,” said one of the councillors who supported the move.
“About 47 councillors were part of the move who have agreed to remove him. The process for his removal is on,” he added.
The revolt against him and Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu has been brewing up for a long time in the civic body. However, Mattu managed to retain his support, said a senior leader of Peoples Conference (PC).
Earlier this month, BJP was working secretly to remove the deputy mayor from his post. Later, it avoided pursuing the matter on the party basis, and left it open. The councillors who supported the motion against Imran belonged to PDP, BJP, NC and independents.
“We had heard about what the BJP was cooking up, but we choose not to do anything. It turned to be true,” said the PC leader who was part of the BJP earlier.
Soon after the motion was submitted, the councillors burst fire crackers in the premises of the SMC causing panic among people. The road leading to the civic body wore deserted look until the reason behind the loud bangs became clear.
“We have received the No confidence motion and we are examining it. Its decision will be made public,” a senior officer of the SMC told Kashmir Reader on the condition of anonymity.

Junaid Nabi Bazaz