Will Move SC Over J&K Statehood Restoration Delay: Farooq Abdullah
The long-standing demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious issue between the Centre and the people of the erstwhile state. While the Centre has maintained that the restoration of statehood is contingent upon certain conditions being met, the people of Jammu and Kashmir continue to agitate for their right to self-governance. In a recent development, National Conference President Farooq Abdullah has warned the Centre that his party will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to the now Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah’s statement comes at a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir are growing increasingly impatient with the Centre’s inaction on the issue. The restoration of statehood has been a key demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir since the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to the state, and bifurcated it into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Abdullah said that his party will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “After the elections, people wanted their issues to be resolved immediately, but statehood (not being restored) is stopping us,” Abdullah said. His statement is a clear indication that the National Conference will not back down from its demand for statehood and is willing to take the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary.
Abdullah’s warning to the Centre comes at a time when the people of Jammu and Kashmir are facing immense difficulties due to the lack of statehood. The restoration of statehood is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the political and economic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The lack of statehood has resulted in the Centre exercising direct control over the administration of the Union Territory, which has led to a sense of disempowerment among the people.
The Centre’s reluctance to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is seen as a major reason for the ongoing political uncertainty in the region. The National Conference and other political parties in the region have been demanding statehood as a matter of right, and have been protesting against the Centre’s inaction on the issue.
Abdullah’s statement is also seen as a warning to the Centre that the National Conference will not be silenced on the issue of statehood. The party has been at the forefront of the demand for statehood, and has been protesting against the Centre’s decision to abrogate Article 370. Abdullah’s warning to the Centre is a clear indication that the party will continue to agitate for its rights until the demand for statehood is met.
The Centre’s response to Abdullah’s warning has been cautious. The Centre has maintained that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is contingent upon certain conditions being met, and has accused the National Conference of trying to create a controversy over the issue. The Centre’s reluctance to restore statehood is seen as a major reason for the ongoing political uncertainty in the region, and has resulted in a sense of disillusionment among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In conclusion, Farooq Abdullah’s warning to the Centre that the National Conference will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a clear indication that the party will not back down from its demand for statehood. The restoration of statehood is seen as a crucial step towards addressing the political and economic aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and the Centre’s reluctance to restore statehood is seen as a major reason for the ongoing political uncertainty in the region.
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