Will move SC over J&K statehood restoration delay: Farooq Abdullah
The political stalemate in Jammu and Kashmir continues to unfold, with the National Conference (NC) President, Farooq Abdullah, warning the Centre of a possible Supreme Court approach if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to the now Union Territory. This development has sent shockwaves across the Valley, with many speculating about the implications of such a move.
In a recent interview, Abdullah emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the people of Jammu and Kashmir eagerly awaited the resolution of their issues after the elections, but the delay in restoring statehood has become a major hurdle. “After the elections, people wanted their issues to be resolved immediately, but statehood (not being restored) is stopping us,” he said. The NC President’s remarks have sparked a renewed debate about the Centre’s intentions regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The controversy surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood began in August 2019, when the Centre announced the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to the state. The move was seen as a significant step towards integrating Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country, but it also led to widespread protests and a severe crackdown on dissent. The state was subsequently bifurcated into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Since then, the Centre has been under pressure to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, with the NC and other regional parties demanding a reversal of the decision. The Centre has, however, maintained that the decision to revoke Article 370 was taken to ensure the unity and integrity of the country. The government has also argued that the statehood restoration process is underway, but the timeline for implementation has not been announced.
Abdullah’s warning to the Centre has sparked concerns about the potential consequences of a prolonged delay in restoring statehood. The NC President’s party has been at the forefront of the statehood restoration movement, and his warning is seen as a strong signal that the party is willing to take bold steps to ensure that the Centre honors its commitments.
The SC approach, if undertaken by the NC, would likely be based on the argument that the Centre’s failure to restore statehood is a violation of the fundamental rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The party could also argue that the delay in restoring statehood is causing immense hardship and uncertainty among the people of the region.
The Centre’s response to Abdullah’s warning has been lukewarm, with officials downplaying the significance of the SC approach. The government has emphasized that the statehood restoration process is underway and that the Centre is committed to addressing the concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Despite the Centre’s assurances, the people of Jammu and Kashmir remain skeptical about the government’s intentions. The delay in restoring statehood has led to widespread disillusionment, with many residents feeling that the Centre is not taking their concerns seriously.
The implications of a prolonged delay in restoring statehood are far-reaching. The current political uncertainty is already affecting the economy, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat. The delay is also causing immense psychological distress among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are anxious to see some resolution to the crisis.
The NC’s warning to the Centre has sent a strong signal that the party is willing to take bold steps to ensure that the Centre honors its commitments. The SC approach, if undertaken, would likely be a complex and protracted process, but it could ultimately pressure the Centre to take concrete steps towards restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood continues to unfold, with the NC President’s warning to the Centre sending shockwaves across the Valley. The Centre’s delay in restoring statehood has caused immense hardship and uncertainty among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it is crucial that the government takes concrete steps to address their concerns. The SC approach, if undertaken by the NC, could ultimately pressure the Centre to honor its commitments and restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
