"Delayed a lot": J-K Minister Javed Rana urges immediate restoration of Statehood
Jammu, February 18
Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday reiterated the demand of statehood for the Union Territory, stressing that it has been delayed a lot.
Speaking to the media, Rana said, "It has been delayed a lot. The minister had said that delimitation and elections would be held in the UT, and that after that, it would become a state. The elections have happened, but it's late. It should be done today."
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that the process to restore statehood to the Union Territory is "underway," even though it has taken longer than expected, and expressed hope that the wait may not be much longer.
Speaking about the demand for full statehood, CM Abdullah said, "The process is underway, and the process has taken more time. We had hoped that statehood would have been granted by now, but we have not given up hope. We are continuously talking to the central government about this matter...now we hope that we won't have to wait much longer for this..."
Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Since then, political parties in the region have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Abdullah also chaired a review meeting earlier today to assess arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan.
Sharing an X post, the Office of the Chief Minister said, "Chief Minister chaired a review meeting today to assess the arrangements for the holy month of Ramadan. He directed all departments to ensure seamless public service delivery, effective grievance redressal, and necessary arrangements at major places of worship to ensure a peaceful and comfortable Ramadan for the people."
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who has visited J&K, I can see both sides. Stability and development are crucial, and perhaps the UT status was meant to ensure that. But the people's voice matters. If the local leadership is united in this demand, the central government should listen and provide a clear timeline.
It's good that the CM is also reviewing arrangements for Ramadan. Governance should go hand-in-hand with respecting local sentiments and religious practices. Hope the statehood issue is resolved before the next festival season. Jai Hind!
While I support the restoration of statehood, I respectfully think our leaders should also focus more on tangible outcomes for citizens—better roads, schools, and jobs. Endless political demands can sometimes overshadow ground-level development work that's already happening.
The reorganisation in 2019 was a historic step for national integration. But a promise is a promise. The Centre said statehood would be restored after delimitation and elections. That process is complete. There should be no further "delay a lot". The credibility of the system is at stake.
Being from a different state, I feel for the people of J&K. Every region deserves its identity and the power to manage its own affairs. Hope the wait ends soon and they get their statehood back. 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.