Ashok Bhan calls for restoration of J&K’s statehood

New Delhi, Dec 15: Speaking at a webinar organized by the World Peace & Reconciliation Forum in Delhi, prominent Kashmiri leader and lawyer Ashok Bhan called on the Union government to fulfill its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhan referred to assurances made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister during parliamentary debates and election campaigns, where they stated that statehood would be restored after the assembly elections.
He also highlighted the Union government’s stance in the Supreme Court during hearings on Article 370, where the Solicitor General assured the restoration of statehood in due time.
Citing the Supreme Court judgment, Bhan noted that the Constitution Bench left the question of Jammu and Kashmir’s reorganization open, while directing that statehood should be restored as soon as possible.
Bhan recalled the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet during Omar Abdullah’s tenure as Chief Minister, which urged the Union government to restore statehood. The resolution, adopted unanimously, authorized the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and other central leaders. Abdullah subsequently met with the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Vice President, and President of India to press for statehood restoration.
Bhan emphasized that restoring statehood would address regional aspirations, protect constitutional rights, and promote cohesion. He urged the Union government to expedite the process, calling it a necessary step to address political and regional divisions highlighted during recent elections.
He also acknowledged the efforts of the Omar Abdullah-led government in handling political sensitivities and addressing emerging issues. Bhan called on the central leadership to support the state government and prioritize the people’s demand for statehood, quoting the Prime Minister’s statement on reducing distances between Delhi and the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)