Resolution seeking statehood for J&K gets LG’s stamp of approval: ‘Beginning of healing process’

SRINAGAR: The resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, urging the Union Government to restore statehood to J&K, has been cleared by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

The Cabinet had met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday and passed a unanimous resolution for restoration of statehood “in its original form”, as agenda number one of the subjects before the first meeting.

Subsequently, it was sent to Sinha for his approval – all cabinet notes are sent to the L-G for clearance as per procedure in a Union Territory.

“The restoration of statehood will be a beginning of a healing process, reclaiming the constitutional rights and protecting identity of people of Jammu and Kashmir,” a government statement issued Saturday stated.

Additionally, 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 J&K’s unique identity and constitutional rights of people remains the cornerstone of the newly elected government’s policy,” the government said.

The Omar Abdullah government has however come under criticism from the opposition for bringing a resolution on statehood instead of the revocation of Article 370 and routing it through the cabinet. However, official sources had told The Indian Express on Friday that “Article 370 is the purview of the legislature while statehood is the purview of the government. Hence, the statehood resolution has come first.”

After clearance of the resolution from the Raj Bhawan, the Chief Minister will visit the national capital “in the coming days” to meet the Prime Minister and Union Ministers in this regard.

The Cabinet also decided to summon the Assembly at Srinagar on November 4 and advised the L-G to address it.

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 Mubarik Gul as Protem Speaker, who will administer oath to the elected members on October 21. (The Indian Express)