Following discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured officials on Monday that the Union Territory (UT) status granted to Jammu and Kashmir is intended only as a temporary measure. Speaking to administrative secretaries in Srinagar, he conveyed reassurances from the highest levels of government.
“If anybody thinks that somehow the fact that we are a UT will shield you from the consequences of practices that go against the pledge, please remember the shield may last temporarily, but it is only temporary,” Abdullah stated, as quoted by The Indian Express.
Temporary Phase of Governance in J&K
Omar Abdullah highlighted the current “hybrid system of governance” in place, where the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha holds considerable influence. He expressed concern that some individuals might take advantage of the transitional status. “But please rest assured that this is very much a temporary phase,” he added, stressing that exploitation of governance loopholes would no longer be possible once statehood is restored.
He mentioned his recent meetings in the national capital as “successful” and emphasized his confidence in J&K’s return to statehood. “I have received assurance at the highest level that their commitments made to Jammu and Kashmir, particularly with regard to the governance, will change,” he noted.
Push for Statehood Restoration
Just a few days prior, the UT’s cabinet had passed a resolution advocating for the restoration of statehood. During his visit to New Delhi, Omar Abdullah met key leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In 2019, the central government led by the BJP revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and divided it into two UTs—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Recently, J&K held its first Assembly elections after nearly five years, resulting in a significant win for the National Conference, which secured 42 of the 90 seats.
BJP’s Perspective on Statehood: A Policy Matter
Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravinder Raina commented that restoring statehood should be viewed as a policy decision, not a political matter. “Peace, harmony and prosperity have been restored in Jammu and Kashmir over the past 10 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and through the hard work of J&K’s citizens, the army, police, and paramilitary forces,” Raina remarked. He stressed that any sensitive issues should be handled cooperatively rather than politically, especially with the newly elected government now in place.
