J&K Govt confirms passing of resolution by cabinet for statehood restoration

Srinagar, Oct 19: The newly-elected government today confirmed that the cabinet has passed a resolution urging the central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The confirmation was made by an official spokesperson in a press release issued here. The cabinet had passed the resolution during its first meeting on October 17 evening. However, the important development remained shrouded in mystery as no official confirmation was made either by the government or the National Conference (NC). This allowed the opposition to criticise the government and NC for maintaining secrecy and silence on the matter. The opposition stated that a resolution opposing the August 5, 2009 decisions (which bifurcated the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories and abrogated Article 370 and 35 A) was not passed by the cabinet and should have been passed.

In fact the passing of the resolution for restoration of statehood in the first cabinet meeting was a promise, made by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, during assembly elections. And he kept it in time. Regarding the August 5, 2019 decisions, NC in its election manifesto has already promised to pass a resolution against these decisions in the assembly.

A national news agency PTI quoting officials has reported that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has cleared a resolution passed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led cabinet urging the Centre to restore the statehood to the Union territory. “Without giving any further details, the officials asserted that the LG has cleared the resolution passed by the cabinet,” the news agency reported.

However, the press release issued by the official spokesperson did not mention anything about the Lieutenant Governor clearing the resolution.

The press release said, “The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet has passed a resolution urging the Union Government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. The Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday passed a unanimous resolution for restoration of statehood in its original form.”

It added that the restoration of statehood will be the beginning of a healing process, reclaiming the constitutional rights and protecting the identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Cabinet has authorised the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and Government of India for restoration of statehood. Protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity and constitutional rights of people remains the cornerstone of the newly elected government’s policy.

The official spokesperson said that the Chief Minister would be proceeding to New Delhi in the coming days to meet the Prime Minister and Union Ministers in this regard.

The Cabinet also decided to summon the Legislative Assembly at Srinagar on November 4 and advised the Lieutenant Governor to summon and address the Legislative Assembly.

The draft address of the Lieutenant Governor to the Legislative Assembly at the commencement of the first session was also placed before the Council of Ministers which the Council decided shall be further considered and discussed.

The Council also made a recommendation to the LG for appointment of Mubarak Gul as Protem Speaker who will administer the oath to the elected members of the Legislative Assembly on October 21, the press release said.