Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet Advocates Restoration of Statehood
The Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has passed a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood to the region. During its inaugural meeting on Thursday, the Cabinet unanimously urged the Central government to reinstate J&K’s status as a state.
Sources indicate that the Chief Minister is scheduled to travel to New Delhi shortly to present the draft resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move underscores the Cabinet’s commitment to reinstating J&K’s political autonomy.
The meeting, chaired by Abdullah, included key figures such as Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and ministers Sakeena Masood Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javaid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma.
Political sentiments around statehood remain strong, with Congress JKPCC president Tariq Hameed Karra announcing that his party would refrain from joining the J&K Cabinet until statehood is restored. Meanwhile, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah expressed optimism that the Central government would soon grant statehood. He noted that the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition on this matter within two months.
Abdullah also addressed concerns over the legacy of VIP culture in the region. During a visit to Lal Chowk, he assured citizens that there would be no more disruptive sirens for politicians, emphasizing the principle of equality among all residents.
The push for statehood comes in the wake of significant political changes in J&K, following the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on August 5, 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated by the Indian government. The resolution reflects the ongoing demand for greater autonomy and representation for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
