The central government is set to begin the process of reinstating statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, five years after the region was divided into two Union Territories. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly promised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah the full support of the government. During a meeting between the two leaders, Shah assured Abdullah of the government’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah and his cabinet have already passed a resolution calling for the return of statehood. The resolution also underlines the government’s dedication to upholding the identity and constitutional rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi to present him with a copy of the resolution.
Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has functioned as a Union Territory. The recent elections in the region led to the formation of a government by the National Conference-Congress alliance. Abdullah had previously stated that his government’s primary focus would be to represent the voices of the people. Congress leader P Chidambaram has also voiced support for the reinstatement of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, urging all political parties to stand behind this demand.
