Statehood – Centre Signals Movement on Jammu and Kashmir Status
Statehood – Fresh indications from the Union government have revived discussions around the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, with a senior minister suggesting that a formal decision may not be far off. The remarks have drawn attention across political circles in the Union Territory, where the demand for full statehood has remained a central issue since its reorganization in 2019.
Minister Points to Possible Decision Soon
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, speaking to reporters in Srinagar, said that the matter of restoring statehood is under active consideration. He described the issue as sensitive and emphasized that it is being handled with due care at the highest levels of government.
Meghwal made the comments on the sidelines of a regional Tele-Law workshop held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre. Referring to earlier assurances, he noted that Home Minister Amit Shah had already stated in the Lok Sabha that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir through a defined process.
According to Meghwal, the commitment made in Parliament remains intact. He added that while procedures must be followed, developments could be expected in the near future, indicating that an announcement may not be too distant.
Background of the Reorganization
In August 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370, which had granted special status to the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. The region was subsequently reorganized into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, which has a legislative assembly, and Ladakh, which does not.
Since then, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly stated that full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored at an appropriate time. However, no specific timeline has been formally announced, leaving political leaders in the region pressing for clarity.
The transition from state to Union Territory significantly altered the administrative structure, placing greater authority in the hands of the Centre. The restoration of statehood is widely seen as a key step toward returning greater legislative and administrative powers to an elected government in the region.
Chief Minister Expresses Continued Hope
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledged that the process has taken longer than many anticipated. Speaking to reporters, he said there had been expectations that statehood might have been restored by now. Despite the delay, he emphasized that the demand remains unchanged.
Abdullah said his government continues to remain engaged with the Centre on the matter. According to him, the restoration of statehood is not merely a political commitment but a shared aspiration among the people of the Union Territory.
He further stated that complete satisfaction would only come once full statehood is reinstated. The Chief Minister underscored that his administration views the issue as a priority and is pursuing it through institutional channels.
Resolution Passed After Assembly Elections
Following the Assembly elections held in the Union Territory, Omar Abdullah assumed office in October 2024. One of the first actions taken by his cabinet was the passage of a formal resolution urging the Centre to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Copies of the resolution were subsequently submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and other senior leaders in New Delhi. The Chief Minister urged the Union government to act at the earliest and fulfill the assurances made earlier.
The recent remarks by Arjun Ram Meghwal have once again brought the issue into focus. While no official timeline has been disclosed, the statement suggesting an impending decision has raised cautious optimism among political stakeholders.
As discussions continue between the Union Territory administration and the Centre, the restoration of statehood remains one of the most closely watched developments in Jammu and Kashmir’s evolving political landscape.