Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the process of restoring statehood to the Union Territory is “ongoing”, though it is taking longer than expected, but expressed hope that the wait will not be too long.
Speaking about the demand for restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said though there were expectations for a quick resolution, talks were on with the Centre.
The Chief Minister told reporters, “The process is ongoing and it is taking more time. We had hoped that statehood would have been granted by now, but we have not given up hope yet. We are continuously talking to the central government on this matter… Now we are hopeful that we will not have to wait much longer for this…”
Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized as a union territory in August 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Since then, political parties in the region have been continuously demanding restoration of statehood.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also chaired a review meeting this morning to assess the preparations made for the holy month of Ramzan. He directed all departments to ensure that there is uninterrupted delivery of public services, effective redressal of grievances and necessary arrangements are made at major places of worship to ensure a peaceful and comfortable Ramzan for the people.
Sharing a post, the Chief Minister’s Office wrote, “The Chief Minister today chaired a review meeting to assess the arrangements for the holy month of Ramzan. He directed all departments to ensure that there is uninterrupted delivery of public services, effective redressal of grievances and necessary arrangements at major places of worship to ensure a peaceful and comfortable Ramzan for the people.”
The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to ensure cleanliness, uninterrupted power and water supply, availability of essential commodities, market regulation, health care preparedness and safety measures across Jammu and Kashmir.