Union Minister hints at early decision on J&K statehood issue

Srinagar, Feb 17: Union Minister of State (I/C) for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, on Tuesday said that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir soon.

Talking to reporters here, Meghwal, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the issue of Jammu and Kashmir statehood is sensitive.

He reaffirmed the central government’s commitment saying: “Our Home Minister has already assured in the Lok Sabha that the rightful process will be followed, and the people will get what is due to them.”

On the timing of a decision, he added: “I think you will hear some decision on this very soon.”

Pertinently, in August 2019, the Government of India revoked the region’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh—(KNO)