Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday to deliberate on significant issues, primarily the restoration of statehood to the region.
This marks Abdullah’s second interaction with Shah since assuming office as the first chief minister of the Union Territory, established following the reorganization of the erstwhile state in August 2019.
“Discussions on Kashmir’s situation, including the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, have been ongoing. It is hoped that these efforts will continue to benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir and lead to the restoration of its statehood,” said Abdullah after the meeting.
During the meeting, Abdullah expressed optimism about an early resolution and aimed to establish a concrete timeline for the restoration of statehood. Additionally, he sought clarification on the Transaction of Business Rules (TBR) to better understand the scope of the elected government’s authority over various departments.
Speaking at the 18th Annual Tourism Summit 2024, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Abdullah emphasized the importance of the discussion with Shah. “There are several pressing issues, including statehood restoration, which require clarity from the Union home minister. The dynamics of governance as a Union Territory differ significantly,” he said.
Abdullah’s prior meeting with Shah on October 23, shortly after assuming office on October 16, was largely seen as a courtesy call. However, he had then also highlighted the urgency of restoring statehood and briefed the minister on the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ongoing discussions underline the chief minister’s efforts to expedite the restoration of full statehood and address governance challenges in the Union Territory. (KNS)
