Home Minister Says Article 370, 35-A Are Matters of the Past; Urges J&K Government to Focus on Governance and Public Issues

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Shah Reaffirms Centre’s Commitment To J&K Statehood, Objects To Autonomy References 

LoP Sunil Sharma Raises Security, Development and SPO Salary Issues During Delhi Meeting

NEW DELHI, SEPT, 27:– Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reiterated the Centre’s commitment to restoring Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time, while expressing disagreement with references to autonomy and special status in the Statehood resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the Legislative Assembly.

Shah conveyed his position during a meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma in New Delhi on Saturday. The meeting was held a day after the Assembly witnessed heated exchanges over the resolution seeking restoration of full Statehood.

Shah Reaffirms Statehood Commitment

According to reports on the meeting, Shah reiterated that the Union Government remains committed to its assurance regarding restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The Home Minister also objected to the inclusion of references to greater autonomy and special status in the resolution, maintaining that Parliament’s decisions concerning Articles 370 and 35-A had settled those issues.

Shah, according to the account of the meeting, advised the J&K Government to give priority to governance, development and resolution of issues affecting the public.

Security, Development Issues Discussed

During the meeting, Sunil Sharma apprised the Union Home Minister of various matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the security situation, law and order, development activities and issues raised by people during the ongoing Assembly session.

The issue of enhancement of salaries of Special Police Officers (SPOs) was also discussed. Sharma sought early action on the matter and apprised Shah about concerns regarding the proposal.

Meeting Follows Assembly Row Over Statehood Resolution

The meeting took place a day after Omar Abdullah moved a resolution in the J&K Legislative Assembly seeking the “immediate and urgent” restoration of full Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The resolution also referred to earlier Assembly resolutions, including the 2000 autonomy resolution and the 2024 resolution on special status. The references triggered strong objections from BJP legislators and led to disruptions during the Assembly proceedings.

The BJP has said it is prepared to discuss restoration of Statehood but opposes bringing Article 370 and the earlier autonomy resolution into the debate.

Sharma Seeks Continued Centre-J&K Coordination

Sharma also raised various public and administrative concerns before the Home Minister and sought continued cooperation from the Union Government in addressing issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.

According to reports, Shah reiterated the Centre’s focus on peace, development and prosperity in J&K and assured continued support on matters concerning the Union Territory.

The latest meeting comes amid renewed political debate in Jammu and Kashmir over restoration of Statehood and the references to earlier resolutions concerning autonomy and special status in the Legislative Assembly’s latest Statehood resolution. (KNC)