The central government may soon make a decision regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale indicated on Sunday. This statement reiterates an earlier assurance provided by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting a potential shift in the timeline for this long-standing political demand.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Athawale, who also serves as the president of the Republican Party of India (RPI), emphasized the Union government’s continued support for Jammu and Kashmir across various sectors since the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in 2019. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the commitment to restoring statehood was made by Home Minister Amit Shah at the time of the constitutional changes, with the understanding that it would be implemented at an appropriate juncture.
Athawale acknowledged the demand for statehood from political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Conference. He stated that the central government would give the matter due consideration, though he refrained from providing a specific timeframe for any decision. The minister conveyed that while the Prime Minister and the Home Minister hold the ultimate authority on the exact timing, he would relay the prevailing sentiment and demand for statehood to them upon his return to Delhi. This suggests a process of internal deliberation within the Union government concerning the political future of the region.
In a separate context, Athawale also addressed allegations concerning the Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, regarding purported deliberate voter deletions. He defended Kumar, attributing a significant portion of the 13 crore voter deletions nationwide to changes in residence rather than malicious intent. Athawale asserted that Kumar did not need to resign in light of these allegations, framing the deletions as a consequence of demographic shifts and administrative processes.
The Union Minister highlighted the developmental strides made in Jammu and Kashmir under the current administration, citing improvements in road infrastructure, national highway expansion, tunnel projects, and railway connectivity. These initiatives, he stated, underscore the government’s commitment to the region’s economic growth and integration. Furthermore, Athawale claimed a substantial improvement in the security situation in the Union Territory following the revocation of Article 370, noting a significant reduction in violence. He also pointed to Pakistan’s alleged attempts to disrupt peace in the region whenever stability prevails, referencing the Pahalgam terror attack as an example of such efforts.
Athawale reiterated India’s stance of not seeking conflict with Pakistan, urging the neighboring country to cease its support for terrorism and to foster peaceful bilateral relations. He also touched upon the issue of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), claiming that the population there is dissatisfied with Pakistan’s governance. The minister suggested that Pakistan should prioritize its own economic development and the welfare of its citizens over engaging in hostility towards India. This multifaceted approach, encompassing political assurances, developmental focus, and security concerns, signals the ongoing engagement of the Union government with the complex dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.