On October 24: Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram emphasized the urgent need for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s full statehood following a recent security review meeting presided over by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Chidambaram pointed out that while the people of J&K have elected a Chief Minister and government to oversee their security, the Chief Minister currently lacks the necessary authority to fulfill this role effectively.
In a post on X, Chidambaram highlighted the significance of the LG presiding over a law and order meeting without the elected Chief Minister’s presence. He remarked, “The photograph of the LG leading this meeting is telling. Whether the Chief Minister was invited or not remains unclear, but under the current legal framework for J&K, matters concerning police and public order fall under the LG’s purview.” This absence underscores the perception of J&K as being “half a state,” he argued, adding that it is critical for the region to regain its full statehood promptly.
Chidambaram’s remarks came in the wake of a deadly terrorist attack on construction workers in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district, which resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including a local doctor and six non-local laborers. This incident, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a known affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has heightened security concerns in the region.
In response to the rising tensions, Sinha has initiated measures to bolster security, including conducting a thorough audit of infrastructure projects, establishing round-the-clock security checkpoints at strategic locations, and enhancing night patrolling across the Valley. This security review took place at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, attended by key officials including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat and Principal Secretary Home Department Chandraker Bharti.
During the meeting, Sinha directed J&K Police to implement stringent security protocols around essential infrastructure projects and construction camps to ensure the safety of workers. He also emphasized the importance of regular coordination meetings with project implementing agencies to strengthen the security framework in the region.