Will Move SC Over J&K Statehood Restoration Delay: Farooq Abdullah
The National Conference (NC) President, Farooq Abdullah, has warned the Central government that his party will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to the now Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir. This warning comes as the statehood demand has been pending for several months now, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir are growing restless.
In an interview, Abdullah expressed his frustration over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the people had expected their issues to be resolved immediately after the elections. However, the lack of progress on this front is creating hurdles for the people of the region.
“After the elections, people wanted their issues to be resolved immediately, but statehood (not being restored) is stopping us,” Abdullah said. He emphasized that the delay is not only affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also the country as a whole.
Abdullah’s warning comes at a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir are already facing several challenges, including a prolonged lockdown, restrictions on freedom of movement, and a ban on political activities. The region has been under strict surveillance since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which led to the bifurcation of the state into two UTs – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The NC President’s warning to the Centre is a reflection of the growing frustration among the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the delay in restoring statehood. The region had been a state with a special status, which granted it a significant amount of autonomy. However, the abrogation of Article 370 stripped the state of its special status, and it was bifurcated into two UTs.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir had hoped that the Centre would restore statehood to the region after the elections, as promised by the government. However, the delay has led to widespread discontent and frustration among the people.
Abdullah’s warning to the Centre is not the first time that the NC has protested against the delay in restoring statehood. In the past, the party has held several protests and demonstrations to press for the demand. However, the Centre has so far remained silent on the issue, citing security concerns and the need to maintain law and order in the region.
The Centre’s inaction on the issue of statehood restoration has led to widespread criticism from various quarters, including political parties and civil society organizations. Many have accused the Centre of reneging on its promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is essential for the region’s development and progress. The region has a unique history and culture, and the people have a distinct identity. The Centre’s decision to bifurcate the state into two UTs has led to concerns that the region’s unique identity may be lost.
In conclusion, Farooq Abdullah’s warning to the Centre is a reflection of the growing frustration among the people of Jammu and Kashmir over the delay in restoring statehood. The people of the region have been patient, but the delay has led to widespread discontent and frustration. It is essential that the Centre takes immediate action to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, as promised, to maintain peace and stability in the region.
