SRINAGAR: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed an assurance that the Union government will uphold its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Mr. Abdullah, speaking to reporters in Anantnag, mentioned that the Prime Minister recently communicated this assurance to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and expressed confidence that the promise would be honoured.
The veteran leader further addressed concerns regarding the delay in the approval of the Jammu and Kashmir government’s business rules. He emphasized that the National Conference’s demands extend beyond just the rules to the fundamental restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“Statehood is their promise before the world. We are waiting for it,” Mr. Abdullah reiterated, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the fulfilment of this commitment.
These remarks come in the wake of the National Conference announcing its intention to organize a protest in Delhi. The demonstration is planned for the opening day of the Parliament’s monsoon session, with the explicit aim of intensifying the demand for the restoration of statehood.
The political discourse surrounding the status of Jammu and Kashmir has been ongoing since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to the region being bifurcated into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. While many political factions and residents have consistently advocated for the return of full statehood, the Union government has maintained that the process is linked to security improvements and administrative developments.
Previous statements from Union Home Minister Amit Shah have indicated that statehood would be considered at an appropriate time, contingent on the normalization of the situation and the completion of delimitation exercises. The Delimitation Commission, tasked with redrawing electoral constituencies, submitted its final report in May 2022, recommending an increase in the number of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The National Conference, a prominent political party in the region, has been a vocal proponent of the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, alongside the full statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. The party has engaged in various outreach programs and political consultations to garner support for its demands, both within and outside the region.
The upcoming protest in Delhi is expected to draw significant attention, potentially amplifying the pressure on the Union government to provide a clearer timeline and concrete steps towards reinstating Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The political climate in the Union Territory remains closely watched, with expectations that the restoration of statehood will be a key factor in future political developments and public sentiment.
Mr. Abdullah’s comments reflect the prevailing sentiment among a significant section of the population in Jammu and Kashmir, who view the restoration of statehood as a matter of dignity and a fulfilment of constitutional assurances made to the region. The Union government’s response to these persistent calls for statehood will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir moving forward.
The Chenab Times News Desk