Are Some Individuals Misleading the Public on J&K Statehood Restoration?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- L-G Manoj Sinha warns against misinformation on statehood.
- Union Home Minister's roadmap: delimitation, elections, and statehood.
- Current powers of Jammu and Kashmir government are substantial.
- October 31 symbolizes a new era for Jammu and Kashmir.
- Public welfare should be prioritized over confusion.
Srinagar, Oct 31 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor (L-G) of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, expressed on Friday that certain individuals are attempting to mislead the public by disseminating unfounded rumors regarding the restoration of statehood in the Union Territory.
While addressing a gathering at Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the L-G remarked that there has been unwarranted speculation concerning the statehood status of Jammu and Kashmir, despite the clear statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
He quoted the Union Home Minister’s statement: 'first delimitation, then Assembly elections, and statehood at an appropriate time.'
'Certain individuals are attempting to mislead the public on this matter. It is essential to clarify that the Union Territory government possesses ample powers, which should be utilized for the benefit of the public rather than for spreading confusion,' asserted L-G Sinha.
He further emphasized that October 31 signifies the dawn of a new era for Jammu and Kashmir, marking the end of fear, separatism, and discrimination while ushering in peace, development, and democracy.
Recently, Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that he would resign if statehood was not reinstated within a specified timeframe, expressing concerns that hopes for statehood restoration were diminishing.
The Union Territory government has been advocating for statehood restoration from the outset, claiming that the absence of statehood hampers their ability to effectively address the challenges faced by the populace.
L-G Sinha clarified that, with the exception of law and order and the transfer of services like IPS/IAS, all other powers rest with the Union Territory government.
He mentioned that the Jammu and Kashmir government has full authority over the functioning of officers posted at the Senior Superintendent of Police or District Magistrate levels.
'There is no question of overlapping jurisdiction. I understand my boundaries,' L-G Sinha responded when asked about the ongoing concerns raised by the Chief Minister and several Ministers in Jammu and Kashmir.