J&K LG approves resolution passed by Omar-led cabinet pressing Modi govt to reinstate statehood

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has cleared a resolution passed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led cabinet urging the central government to restore the statehood to the Union territory, officials said on Oct 18

"The cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Omar Abdullah on Oct 17 passed a unanimous resolution for restoration of statehood in its original form," an official spokesperson said.

Without giving any further details, the officials asserted that the LG has cleared the resolution passed by the cabinet.

The spokesperson said the restoration of statehood will be a beginning of a healing process, reclaiming the constitutional rights and protecting the identity of people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The cabinet has authorized the chief minister to take up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Government of India for restoration of statehood, he said.

Protection of Jammu and Kashmir's unique identity and constitutional rights of people remains the cornerstone of the newly-elected government's policy, the spokesperson said.

He said the chief minister would be proceeding to New Delhi in the coming days to meet the Prime Minister and Union Ministers in this regard.

The cabinet has also decided to summon the Legislative Assembly at Srinagar on November 4 and advised the LG to summon and address the assembly, the spokesperson added.

The draft address of the LG to the Legislative Assembly at the commencement of the first session was also placed before the Council of Ministers which the Council decided shall be further considered and discussed, he said.

Political parties on Oct 18 described the resolution only on statehood and not on Article 370 as an "utter surrender" and a departure from the stand of the ruling National Conference.

Various political parties, including the People's Democratic Party (PDP), People's Conference (PC) and Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), denounced the move, reminding the NC of its poll promise to "strive to restore (Articles) 370-35A and statehood as prior to August 5, 2019", and saying it was a departure from the pre-election stand.

(PTI)