J&K’s CM Omar Abdullah Pushes for Urgent Statehood Restoration in Meeting with Amit Shah, During Delhi Visit
After Ganderbal Terror Attack, Omar Abdullah Urges Amit Shah for Swift Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood
New Delhi, 23-10-2024: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah engaged in a pivotal meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on October 23, marking his first official visit to the national capital since taking office last week. The discussion centered on critical issues concerning the Union Territory, particularly the urgent restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah’s meeting with Shah lasted approximately 30 minutes, during which he provided an update on the current situation in the region and reiterated the importance of reinstating statehood.
The backdrop of this meeting is particularly poignant, coming just days after a horrific terrorist attack in the Gangangir area of Ganderbal district, where seven individuals, including a doctor, were brutally killed. This tragedy underscores the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir, which remains under the jurisdiction of the Union Home Ministry following its reorganization into a Union Territory in 2019.
During his time in Delhi, Abdullah is expected to engage with various central leaders, with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated. This visit comes on the heels of a significant electoral victory for Abdullah’s National Conference party, which secured 42 out of 90 seats in the recent assembly elections, positioning the party as a major political force in the region.
In a bold move during his inaugural cabinet meeting, Abdullah’s administration passed a resolution calling on the central government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to its original form. This resolution is not just a political statement; it reflects a broader desire for healing and reconciliation within the region, aiming to restore constitutional rights and preserve the unique identity of its residents. The endorsement of this resolution by the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, along with support from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, empowers Abdullah to advocate directly with the Prime Minister and the central government for this significant change.
The restoration of statehood is seen as a crucial step in addressing the grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It holds the potential to initiate a process of healing, allowing for greater autonomy and a stronger voice for local governance. As Abdullah prepares to engage with the central leadership, the eyes of the region remain fixed on the outcomes of these discussions and their implications for the future of Jammu and Kashmir.
