Omar Abdullah Optimistic About J&K’s Statehood Restoration
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed strong optimism about the restoration of statehood to the region. The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was revoked in 2019, and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories (UTs). The promise of restoring statehood was a key element of the National Conference’s 2024 election manifesto.
Commitment to Jammu and Kashmir Statehood
Omar Abdullah said that despite being in power for just over two months, his government is fully committed to fulfilling its promises. “It took some time to understand how a government in a UT functions, but it has been easier than we expected,” Abdullah stated. He assured the people that his government stands by the commitments made during the election campaign. “Restoring the status of J&K is crucial for us,” he emphasized.
Hope for Timely Statehood Restoration
Abdullah emphasized that the current UT status is temporary for Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that a significant number of people participated in the recent assembly elections, showing their desire for change. The Chief Minister also recalled the union government’s commitment to restore statehood. “We hope this process won’t take much longer,” he added.
Supreme Court’s Direction
The Supreme Court had directed the restoration of statehood over a year ago, which Abdullah cited as a hopeful sign for a swift return to the region’s previous status.
Election Results and Political Shifts
Jammu and Kashmir held assembly elections in 2024 after a decade-long hiatus, making it the first election since the revocation of Article 370. The elections also saw the participation of Jamaat-e-Islami members, who had been banned since 2019. The National Conference secured 42 of the 90 assembly seats. Meanwhile, the BJP, still the principal opposition, managed to strengthen its foothold in the Jammu region by winning 29 out of 43 seats. However, it struggled in the Kashmir Valley, failing to secure a single seat. The Congress won six seats, while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) experienced a decline, winning just three.
Resolution for Statehood Restoration
In its first Cabinet meeting, the National Conference government passed a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood. The assembly later passed a historic resolution demanding the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370. This move was met with strong opposition from the BJP, resulting in chaotic scenes in the assembly, with over a dozen BJP members being marshalled out.
Ongoing Governance Challenges
Although the National Conference has formed an elected government, governance in Jammu and Kashmir continues to function under a hybrid model. Many key administrative powers, such as home affairs and the authority to transfer Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, still rest with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
for more updates follow ANN MEDIA on facebook , X , Instagram and Linkedin
