Title: Will Move SC over J&K Statehood Restoration Delay: Farooq Abdullah
The ongoing debate over the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir has taken a new turn with National Conference President Farooq Abdullah warning that his party will approach the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to the now Union Territory. Abdullah’s statement has sent shockwaves across the political landscape of the region, with many interpreting it as a clear indication that the National Conference is willing to take the Centre head-on to achieve its demands.
Abdullah’s warning came in the aftermath of the recent elections to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory. The elections saw a massive voter turnout, with people across the region exercising their franchise to elect their representatives. However, the elections have also brought to the fore the long-standing demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the restoration of statehood.
The Centre, in its wisdom, had decided to repeal Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The decision was taken in August 2019, and since then, the region has been governed directly by the Centre.
However, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding the restoration of statehood, citing the need for greater autonomy and self-governance. The National Conference, which has been a key player in Jammu and Kashmir politics for decades, has been at the forefront of the demand for statehood.
Abdullah, who has been a vocal critic of the Centre’s decision to repeal Article 370, said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir wanted their issues to be resolved immediately after the elections, but the statehood issue was still pending. “After the elections, people wanted their issues to be resolved immediately, but statehood (not being restored) is stopping us,” Abdullah said.
The National Conference President’s warning comes at a time when the Centre is under pressure to fulfill its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre had promised to hold elections to the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory and to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir once the elections were over.
However, the Centre’s response to the demand for statehood has been lukewarm, with many interpreting it as a deliberate attempt to delay the restoration of statehood. The Centre has been citing the need for a constitutional amendment to restore statehood, but the National Conference is not buying it.
Abdullah’s warning has been seen as a clear indication that the National Conference is willing to take the Centre head-on to achieve its demands. The party has been demanding that the Centre restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and hold talks with all stakeholders to resolve the issue.
The warning has also been seen as a message to the Centre that the National Conference is willing to take the legal route to achieve its demands. The party has been critical of the Centre’s decision to repeal Article 370 and has been demanding that the Centre restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre’s response to Abdullah’s warning has been muted, with officials saying that the Centre is committed to fulfilling its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. However, the Centre’s inaction on the issue of statehood restoration has led to widespread discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue of statehood restoration is not just a matter of political relevance but also has significant implications for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The restoration of statehood will give the people of Jammu and Kashmir greater autonomy and self-governance, which is essential for the development of the region.
The delay in the restoration of statehood has also led to widespread discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who feel that their voices are not being heard. The Centre’s inaction on the issue has been seen as a clear indication that the Centre is not serious about fulfilling its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
In conclusion, Abdullah’s warning to move the Supreme Court over the delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a clear indication that the National Conference is willing to take the Centre head-on to achieve its demands. The Centre’s inaction on the issue has led to widespread discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and it is essential that the Centre takes concrete steps to fulfill its promises to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
