Should Caution Prevail as SC Reviews Statehood Petition for J&K?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court is considering a petition for Jammu and Kashmir's statehood restoration.
- Sanjay Nirupam emphasizes the need for caution and awareness of public sentiment.
- The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has improved post-Article 370 revocation.
- The seat-sharing debate within the NDA is ongoing but manageable.
- Nirupam defends PM Modi's stance on international relations amid criticism.
Mumbai, Oct 10 (NationPress) As the Supreme Court deliberates on a petition requesting the urgent restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, along with the enforcement of directives issued by a constitutional bench in December 2023, Sanjay Nirupam, spokesperson for the Shiv Sena, emphasized the need for caution. He stated that the court should take into account public sentiment and the delicate nature of the region, particularly given its status as a border area.
Nirupam expressed to IANS, "Since the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution, conditions in Jammu and Kashmir have seen marked improvement, and there has been a decline in terrorism. This is a significant milestone. However, it is also a fact that the repeal of Article 370 resulted in the bifurcation of the state into two territories - Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. These territories now hold distinct demands as Union Territories. The Supreme Court ought to honor the regional public sentiment and consider the sensitivities involved in its decision. Given the sensitive nature of these border areas, a hasty conclusion could lead to serious repercussions. One must question whether Jammu and Kashmir is truly ready for statehood, as the process remains unresolved?"
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has allowed the Central Government four weeks to address several petitions advocating for the reinstatement of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.
Nirupam also addressed the seat-sharing dilemma within the NDA, coinciding with the initiation of the nomination process for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on Friday.
"The media has inflated the issue of seat-sharing within the NDA. Disagreements over allocation of seats are typical in a coalition of three parties. While the BJP and JD-U are the key players, smaller factions such as those led by Chirag Paswan and Jitan Ram Manjhi are requesting a larger share of seats. Ongoing discussions are in progress, and I am confident that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, a fair resolution will be achieved. Bihar is firmly with the NDA, and no party can undermine this affirmative atmosphere.
In response to AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi's remarks regarding Prime Minister Modi's commendation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Nirupam criticized Owaisi for using offensive language.
"Israel is an ally. Netanyahu is currently focused on rescuing Israeli citizens following the Hamas attacks. This is a conflict against Hamas, not against the Palestinian people. If Palestinians desire peace, they must liberate themselves from Hamas. The US President is spearheading peace initiatives, and PM Modi has expressed his support. Owaisi has no grounds for objection."