Centre Likely to Take Three Months to Decide on J&K Statehood
ANN News Desk
Srinagar, Oct 23: The Union Government is likely to take upto three months to make a decision regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, sources told ANN News
The timeline was hinted at following the Union Territory’s newly sworn-in Omar Abdullah-led government passing a resolution during its first cabinet meeting, pushing for the immediate restoration of J&K’s statehood.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored at an “appropriate time,” aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s position since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which abrogated Article 370 and bifurcated it into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
While the Supreme Court has upheld the powers of Parliament to abrogate Article 370 but has not passed any judgment on degradation of state into Union Territory.
Omar Abdullah, who was sworn in as the Chief Minister, has made the issue central to his governance agenda. Both NC and its alliance partner Congress has promised to press for restoration of Statehood in its election manifesto.
The Centre, however, is not in hurry to restore the status. A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the decision would be based on a thorough assessment of the security situation, economic development, and political stability in the J&K.
The process, they indicated, would likely take around three months before any decision is finalized.
“We are aware of the demands for statehood, and we understand the sentiments. However, any decision will be made after a careful and comprehensive review of the ground realities,” the official said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has traveled to Delhi, where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to personally present the J&K Cabinet resolution.
Reports suggest that the chief minister will underscore the importance of returning full political powers to Jammu and Kashmir as a crucial step toward winning the trust of the people and ensuring peace in the long term.
“As the clock ticks on Jammu and Kashmir’s future status, the Union Government’s decision is expected to take a few more months. Omar Abdullah’s efforts to push for statehood reflect the deep political and emotional stakes involved in this issue but the Centre’s caution suggests a careful, calculated approach will guide any final resolution,” said a political analyst.
