Suhail Khan
Jammu, Mar 06 : National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday reiterated his belief that Jammu and Kashmir will soon regain its statehood.
Speaking to reporters, as per Kashmir Despatch, Abdullah expressed optimism, stating, “Inshallah, statehood will come soon. It will come.” His remarks underscore the ongoing political efforts to restore the region’s former status, which was revoked in August 2019.
The revocation of Article 370 by the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and reduced it to a Union Territory. This decision has since been a focal point of political discourse, with leaders like Abdullah advocating for the restoration of statehood.
Abdullah’s comments come amid a war of words between political figures in the region. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary recently criticized former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, holding her responsible for the region’s current political challenges. “Mehbooba Mufti can say whatever she wants, but the truth is that she played a significant role in the downfall of J&K. The loss of statehood and special status is a direct result of her actions,” Choudhary claimed.
Earlier, on March 3, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly during the Budget Session, reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring statehood. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have a legitimate aspiration for the return of full statehood. My administration is fully committed to fulfilling this demand,” Sinha said. He emphasized that the government is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the process is carried out in a way that promotes peace, stability, and development.
Sinha also highlighted the importance of the budget session, describing it as a step toward inclusive governance that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, expressing confidence that all political parties in the Assembly support the move. ‘There is no party here that is against statehood. If there are any doubts, let’s bring a resolution to the floor. I assure you that every single member of our party will vote in its favor,’ he asserted.
Pertinently, the restoration of statehood, along with the reinstatement of Article 370 and the implementation of the autonomy resolution, has been a key promise in the National Conference’s election manifesto.
