Restoring statehood would reflect the Centre’s commitment to democracy and respect for people’s aspirations.
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has called for the return of Statehood to the Union Territory. This is a demand from the newly elected administration and a reiteration of the Centre’s promise. The LG’s traditional address to the Assembly aligns with the new dispensation led by the National Conference and a Cabinet resolution.
The LG also represents the President, who oversees the Union Territories. The Union government promised the Supreme Court that J&K, which was degraded and partitioned into two Union Territories (UT) in August 2019, would regain statehood. Although no timetable was provided, the commitment is more meaningful now that Assembly elections have been held and a representative government has been established. The assurance was given during the hearing on the legitimacy of the Presidential notifications abrogating the State’s special status under Article 370 and the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act by Parliament.
The Constitution Bench declined to rule on whether the State’s reorganization into two UTs was constitutionally allowed based on this promise. The huge attendance in J&K Assembly elections demonstrates the people’s trust in democratic institutions and yearning for a return to popular power. Although the elimination of the State’s special status remains a source of contention, most people think that restoring Statehood is a top priority.
The new administration has enhanced democratic processes, making it unnecessary to delay bestowing Statehood. The recent surge in extremist attacks raises concerns about the security situation. Several citizens and troops have been slain, including non-local workers in the Valley. Militant groups may be attempting to instill terror in non-local workers and elicit a reaction from security forces, which could explain the recent escalation.
The rise in terror attacks, as well as the failure of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party to gain power in J&K, should not be used to postpone a decision on statehood. The elected government urgently needs to extend its governance area through full Statehood benefits.
Dr. Abhishek Verma
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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