Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said the Centre could take a decision on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. However, he did not announce a specific timeline.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Sunday, Athawale referred to the assurance previously given by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the restoration of statehood. He said the final decision would depend on the Centre.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Athawale said the Centre could decide on Jammu and Kashmir's statehood in the coming days.
He did not specify a date for restoration.
He highlighted infrastructure and development initiatives in the Union Territory.
He discussed Article 370, terrorism and India-Pakistan relations.
He raised the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Athawale also spoke about development initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, including road infrastructure, national highways, tunnels and railway connectivity. He said political differences should not affect development projects or the allocation of funds.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the minister said the decision had brought Jammu and Kashmir within the full framework of the Indian Constitution.
On security, Athawale said violence had declined in the region, while referring to the Pahalgam terror attack. He urged Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism and said India did not want conflict with its neighbour.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Restoration of statehood is a significant political issue in Jammu and Kashmir. Any decision would affect the Union Territory's administrative and political status.
Athawale reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. He also raised the issue of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), claiming that people living there were dissatisfied with Pakistan's administration.
The minister's remarks come amid continuing political discussion over the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. His statement indicated the possibility of a future decision but did not amount to an official announcement by the Centre.
