J&K statehood restoration may happen soon, Union Minister says

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood might be restored in the near future, citing the Centre’s commitment to development. He also discussed Article 370, terrorism, India-Pakistan relations and efforts to attract private investment and create more jobs

Srinagar: Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale said on Sunday that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood might be restored in the near future, asserting that the Union government was committed to the Union Territory’s overall development.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Athawale said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir could take place in the near future. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were aware of the commitment regarding the Union Territory’s statehood, he said.

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He said the Union government was making efforts to develop Jammu and Kashmir and that political differences should not affect the allocation of funds or the implementation of development projects.

Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, Athawale said the decision had brought Jammu and Kashmir within the full framework of the Indian Constitution, extending various constitutional provisions and benefits to the region.

He said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had improved considerably, although challenges remained.

Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Athawale said the Union government had taken steps in response to the incident and urged Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism.

“Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and Pakistan should focus on improving its own economy rather than interfering in India’s internal affairs,” he said.

“The people of Pakistan also want peaceful relations with India, but political interests are preventing the two countries from moving towards normalisation,” he said.

Athawale added that the Union government was ready to extend assistance to Jammu and Kashmir and urged the local administration to formulate proposals to address the region’s developmental needs.

He said he had visited several districts of Jammu and Kashmir during previous visits and continued to interact with people to understand their concerns. He reiterated that the Centre was committed to the region’s progress and that development initiatives should benefit people at the grassroots level.

Earlier, Athawale said the government wanted to create more employment opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir by attracting private-sector investment. Many private-sector investors had visited the Union Territory and would invest thousands of crores of rupees for its development and the welfare of its people, he added.