Title: Pahalgam has not stalled J&K statehood talks: CM Omar Abdullah
The recent attack on a tourist bus in Pahalgam, Kashmir, has sent shockwaves across the country, leaving many wondering about the fate of the statehood talks between the Indian government and the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration. However, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has clarified that the Pahalgam attack has not stalled the conversation around J&K’s statehood restoration. In a recent interview, Abdullah emphasized that the issue was still alive, regardless of the attack.
The Pahalgam attack, which took place on April 22, has raised concerns about the security situation in the Valley. The incident has also led to speculations about the impact it may have on the statehood talks. However, Abdullah has categorically stated that the attack has not affected the progress of the talks. He highlighted that the issue of statehood was raised at the recent NITI Aayog meeting, indicating that the conversation is still ongoing.
Abdullah also emphasized that he was unwilling to use the J&K assembly’s special session to discuss statehood. “But that does not mean the conversation has stopped,” he said. This statement suggests that while the Chief Minister may not be using the special session to discuss statehood, he is still engaging with the central government on the issue.
The Chief Minister’s statement has sparked a mixed reaction from various quarters. While some have welcomed the news that the statehood talks are still alive, others have expressed skepticism about the government’s intentions. The opposition parties in J&K have been critical of the government’s handling of the statehood issue, accusing it of delaying the restoration of statehood.
The Pahalgam attack has also raised questions about the security situation in the Valley. The incident has led to a surge in security forces in the area, and the authorities have launched a massive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The attack has also sparked concerns about the ability of the security forces to contain the situation.
The statehood talks between the Indian government and the J&K administration have been ongoing for several years. The talks have been marked by periods of progress and setbacks, with the central government and the J&K administration failing to agree on the terms of statehood restoration. The talks have been marred by differences over issues such as the constitutional position of the state, the role of the state government, and the powers of the central government.
The Pahalgam attack has come at a time when the statehood talks were gaining momentum. The Chief Minister had recently met with the central government to discuss the issue of statehood, and there were reports of progress being made. The attack has raised concerns about the impact it may have on the talks, but Abdullah’s statement has reassured many that the conversation is still alive.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister’s statement that the Pahalgam attack has not stalled J&K statehood talks has brought relief to many who were worried about the fate of the statehood talks. While the attack has raised concerns about the security situation in the Valley, it has not affected the progress of the talks. The issue of statehood is still alive, and the Chief Minister is still engaging with the central government on the issue.
