The Indian government remains dedicated to bringing back statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, according to Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have both promised to restore the region’s statehood “in due course of time.”
Government’s Commitment to Jammu and Kashmir Statehood
Rijiju spoke at a press conference in Srinagar, where he discussed the budget and addressed questions about the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s previous status. He did not specify a definite timeline for when this would happen. He also emphasized that the central government is actively considering the matter.
The Union Minister referenced previous statements by both the Prime Minister and Home Minister, reassuring the public that the government is serious about reinstating statehood. While he didn’t give an exact date, Rijiju’s statement reinforces the government’s position on this important issue. Restoring statehood is a major political issue in the region. Perhaps this is because the restoration of statehood could also boost economic growth in the area.
The Path to Restoration
“The Prime Minister and the Home Minister made clear indications in the past that in due course of time,” Rijiju said, reiterating the government’s intentions. Jammu and Kashmir has been a Union Territory since August 2019. This change happened when Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was removed.
Why Statehood Matters
Many people see the return of statehood as an important move toward normalcy and giving the people of Jammu and Kashmir more political power. The government’s promise to achieve this goal, as repeated by Union Minister Rijiju, will likely remain a key point of discussion in the region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are hoping that this restoration leads to a brighter future for the region. It is likely the government continues to develop plans to ensure a smooth transition to reinstating statehood. It will also likely continue to be a central focus of political discourse in the region.