J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti makes Sajjad Lone head of Science and Tech Department

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has given the charge of Science and Technology Department to separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajjad Lone, in addition to the other departments that he holds, ending suspense over his resignation submitted on April 5.

The Chief Minister yesterday assigned the charge of Science and Technology Department to Lone, an official spokesperson said here today.

He said the charge was earlier with Minister of State Sunil Sharma of the BJP, a coalition partner in the J&K government.

48-year-old Lone, son of former separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone, had tendered his resignation to Mehbooba on April 5 apparently unhappy over the portfolio of Social Welfare and Administrative Reforms Training that was given to him after being sworn-in on April 4.

Lone is a minister in the ruling coalition from the BJP quota.

However, his resignation was turned down and the BJP had assured him of giving charge of another Department.

Lone was earlier the Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Science and Technology in Mufti Mohammad Sayeed-led cabinet.

Lone-led Peoples' Conference won two seats in 2014 Assembly elections. While Lone represents Handwara, his aide Bashir Ahmad Dar won Kupwara seat.