Cabinet passes resolution urging Centre to restore J-K’s statehood

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday said that the Cabinet has passed a resolution urging the Union Government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a handout quoted by the news agency GNS, a government spokesman said that the Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday passed a unanimous resolution for restoration of statehood in its original form.

“The restoration of statehood will be the beginning of a healing process, reclaiming the constitutional rights and protecting the identity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” it said.

The Cabinet has authorised the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Prime Minister and Government of India for restoration of statehood. “Protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity and constitutional rights of people remains the cornerstone of the newly elected government’s policy.”

An official spokesperson said that the Chief Minister would be proceeding to New Delhi in the coming days to meet the Prime Minister and Union Ministers in this regard.

The Cabinet also decided summoning of the Legislative Assembly at Srinagar on November 4, 2024 and advised Lieutenant Governor to summon and address the Legislative Assembly.

The draft address of the Lieutenant Governor to the Legislative Assembly at the commencement of the first session was also placed before the Council of Ministers which the Council decided shall be further considered and discussed.

The Council also made a recommendation to the LG for the appointment of Mubarak Gul as Protem Speaker who will administer oath to the elected members of the Legislative Assembly on October 21, 2024.

Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor subsequently issued the order of appointing Mubarak Gul as Protem Speaker till the election of the Speaker is held.