Srinagar:
In a significant development that resonates with the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated his optimism about the imminent restoration of statehood to the region. This assurance comes at a time when the region is navigating the complexities of its current status as a Union Territory, a designation imposed since 2019.
Since assuming office over two months ago, Omar Abdullah has been steadfast in his commitment to the promises made during the National Conference’s 2024 election campaign. One of the pivotal promises was the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, a status that was revoked in 2019 along with the region’s special status under Article 370. Abdullah emphasized that the current Union Territory status is temporary and that the people’s active participation in the recent assembly elections was a testament to their expectation of a return to statehood.
Abdullah pointed out that the Supreme Court had directed the restoration of statehood over a year ago, underscoring the legal and judicial backing for this demand. The recent assembly elections, held after a decade, saw the National Conference secure a significant mandate, winning 42 out of 90 seats in the legislative assembly. This electoral victory has emboldened the party to push for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.
In its first Cabinet meeting, the new government passed a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood, which was later echoed in a landmark resolution in the assembly. However, this move was met with strong opposition from the BJP, leading to chaotic scenes in the assembly. Despite these challenges, Abdullah remains hopeful that the central government will honor its promise of restoring statehood soon.
The governance structure in Jammu and Kashmir continues to operate under a hybrid model, with key administrative powers, including home affairs and the transfer of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, still vested with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. However, Abdullah’s government is determined to work within this framework to achieve its goals, including the restoration of statehood.
