J&K to regain statehood after formation of NDA govt at Centre: JUD

Srinagar, June 7: Janata Dal United (JDU) president for Jammu and Kashmir, G M Shaheen, on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood following the formation of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre.

Speaking at a press conference here, Shaheen emphasised that the JDU, a key ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), will strongly advocate for this cause with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He made these remarks after returning from New Delhi, where he held discussions with top JDU leaders, including Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. “I raised the issue of statehood with Nitish Kumar during our meeting, and he assured me that this matter will be discussed with the Prime Minister. I am hopeful and positive that with JDU’s support, Jammu and Kashmir will regain its statehood, possibly before the Assembly elections,” Shaheen stated.

The JDU president underscored that the party has consistently opposed the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory. He reiterated that Nitish Kumar never supported this decision and that the party will vigorously advocate for statehood at the center. “It is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to have their own elected government and to restore their statehood,” he added.