Discussions on J&K’s statehood are stalled, emphasising the need for improved security.
Srinagar: While the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir arrived in New Delhi with the cabinet resolution for statehood, there have been a string of terror attacks since the conclusion of elections, disrupting peace in Kashmir Valley.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other national leaders.
“Visited honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji in New Delhi to present a cabinet resolution advocating for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s empowered statehood. The resolution underscores the J&K government’s dedication to safeguarding the identity and constitutional rights of the region’s residents,” Abdullah wrote on Instagram while sharing his picture with Prime Minister Modi.
The Chief Minister has emphasised his intention to avoid any confrontation with the Centre, expressing his commitment to fostering a constructive relationship aimed at promoting good governance and development in Jammu and Kashmir. The latest terror attack at Bota Pathri in Gulmarg valley has indicated that there could be more efforts from across the border for such attacks.
Reacting sharply to these attacks, National Conference patron and former MP, Dr Farooq Abdullah has asked Pakistan to end terrorism and pursue the path of friendship with India.
He asserted that Jammu and Kashmir will never become part of Pakistan, emphasising that such attacks will only hinder the future and development of the region.
“Khud barbaad ho rahe hain aur hume bhi saath barbaad kar rahe hain (Pakistan is destroying itself and dragging us down as well.) I urge them to stop this terrorism and seek a path of friendship. If they don’t do this, it will be very difficult for them,” news agencies quoted him saying.
Jammu and Kashmir BJP Chief Ravinder Raina stated that the restoration of statehood is subject to peace and tranquility in the region.
“When it comes to the statehood issue, this is a very sensitive issue, the elected government and central government should hold discussions regarding it together.
Security of the people is very important. Government will be run and development will take place only if there is peace and prosperity, if there is terrorism and extremism, people will suffer,” Raina said.Regional political parties and lawmakers have urged the central government to restore J&K’s statehood at the earliest. They have also said that an elected Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be kept away from the security related high-level meetings as it amounts to humiliating the mandate of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Sajad Lone took to X and said, “Irrespective of the political differences that we have here amongst us, the union government needs to move fast on some issues. Delay of even a moment in granting statehood is a sin against the people of J&K.”
Twelve people, including three army personnel have been killed in two terror attacks while the central government is mulling on the demand for statehood of the elected J&K government.It seems that there would be a pause for time being till the security situation improves, according to political experts.