Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on a range of important issues concerning the Union Territory, with the early restoration of statehood emerging as a key subject.
The meeting assumes significance as it was the first interaction between Omar Abdullah and Amit Shah since the J&K Chief Minister staged a protest in the national capital on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, seeking the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the meeting covered several matters relating to governance, administration, public welfare and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Statehood Restoration Among Key Issues
The CMO said that restoration of statehood, finalisation of the Transaction of Business Rules, rationalisation of the reservation policy, and other matters concerning the welfare and development of J&K were discussed during the meeting.
The demand for restoration of statehood has remained one of the major political priorities of the Omar Abdullah-led government. The Centre has maintained that statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time, while the elected government has repeatedly pressed for an early decision.
Transaction of Business Rules Discussed
The two leaders also discussed the Transaction of Business Rules, which are important for determining the functioning of the administration and the distribution of responsibilities between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration.
The J&K Government has been seeking clarity and finalisation of the rules, which it maintains would help avoid administrative overlaps and ensure smoother functioning of the elected government.
Reservation Policy Under Discussion
Rationalisation of the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir was another important issue taken up during the meeting.
The reservation framework has been the subject of considerable public and administrative discussion, with various sections raising demands for changes. The government has been seeking to address these concerns while maintaining an effective and balanced reservation system.
Omar Abdullah Briefs Shah on International Film Festival
During the meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also briefed Amit Shah about the first International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir (IFFJK), which is scheduled to commence in Srinagar next week.
The upcoming festival is expected to provide a platform for filmmakers and artists while showcasing Jammu and Kashmir as a destination for cultural and cinematic activities.
Flood Relief Assistance Appreciated
The Chief Minister also thanked Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the timely assistance extended to Jammu and Kashmir following flood-related damage reported from several areas.
The assistance assumes significance amid the need for relief and rehabilitation measures in affected areas.
Statehood Remains Central to J&K Political Discourse
The meeting took place against the backdrop of continuing political discussions over the administrative and constitutional future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Statehood has remained at the centre of J&K’s political discourse since August 5, 2019, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 and reorganised the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The latest meeting between Omar Abdullah and Amit Shah is being seen as an important engagement on the key political, administrative, welfare and developmental priorities of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the long-pending demand for restoration of statehood.