Will Move SC Over J&K Statehood Restoration Delay: Farooq Abdullah
The demand for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir has been a long-standing issue, with the National Conference (NC) party being one of the strongest voices advocating for it. Recently, NC President Farooq Abdullah made a bold statement, warning the Centre that if there is an inordinate delay in restoring statehood to the now Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, his party will approach the Supreme Court.
Abdullah’s remarks came as a response to the Centre’s slow progress on the issue. Despite the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which granted special status to the Union Territory, the NC leader believes that the Centre has been dragging its feet on restoring statehood.
“We will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah said in an interview. “After the elections, people wanted their issues to be resolved immediately, but statehood (not being restored) is stopping us.”
Abdullah’s statement is significant, as it highlights the growing frustration and discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been under the Centre’s direct rule since August 2019, when the Centre revoked Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to the state.
The NC leader’s warning is not just a hollow threat. The party has been consistently advocating for statehood, and Abdullah’s statement suggests that he is prepared to take the Centre to court if necessary. This could lead to a major showdown between the Centre and the NC, with far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
The delay in restoring statehood can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the ongoing political turmoil in the region. The Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370 and bifurcate the state into two Union Territories (Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh) has led to widespread protests and unrest. The NC, along with other regional parties, has been demanding that the Centre restore statehood and give the people of Jammu and Kashmir the right to self-governance.
Another reason for the delay is the Centre’s efforts to integrate the region with the rest of the country. The Centre has been pushing for the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other central laws in the region, which has led to resistance from the local population. The NC, along with other regional parties, has been demanding that the Centre respect the region’s unique identity and culture.
Despite these challenges, Abdullah’s statement is a clear warning to the Centre that the NC will not back down from its demands. The party has been a key player in Jammu and Kashmir politics for decades, and Abdullah’s statement suggests that the NC is prepared to take bold action to achieve its goals.
The Centre’s response to Abdullah’s statement will be closely watched. While the government has been vague about its plans to restore statehood, it has been emphasizing the need to maintain stability and peace in the region. The Centre has also been pushing for the implementation of the GST and other central laws in the region, which has led to resistance from the local population.
In the aftermath of Abdullah’s statement, it is clear that the Centre and the NC are locked in a political battle. The Centre has been trying to assert its authority in the region, while the NC has been demanding greater autonomy and self-governance.
The implications of Abdullah’s statement are far-reaching. If the NC approaches the Supreme Court, it could lead to a major showdown between the Centre and the regional party. The court may be forced to intervene, which could lead to a re-evaluation of the Centre’s policies in the region.
In conclusion, Farooq Abdullah’s statement is a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Jammu and Kashmir. The NC leader’s warning to the Centre is a clear indication that the party will not back down from its demands for statehood. The Centre’s response to Abdullah’s statement will be closely watched, as it could have far-reaching implications for the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
