Amit Shah Says Jammu and Kashmir Statehood to Be Restored at Appropriate Time

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged that Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be restored at an “appropriate time” while assuring a “good resolution” for the demands of Ladakh’s people. Speaking at an event organized by ABP News and Hindustan, Shah highlighted transformative changes in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, claiming the region has seen a dramatic shift away from separatism and terrorism.

Shah emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir, once plagued by violence, has undergone a “U-turn” in security dynamics. “In the last nine months, no local terrorist has been recruited,” he declared, attributing this to a newfound sense of national unity among the region’s residents. He noted that Pakistan no longer needs to send terrorists across the border, as local recruitment has dried up. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir now feel they belong to the entire country, and the entire country belongs to them,” Shah said, underscoring the restoration of democratic processes, including panchayat, municipal, and recent legislative assembly elections. He also hinted at upcoming Rajya Sabha elections for the region.

Responding to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s remarks about a “gulf” between Jammu and Kashmir and New Delhi due to delayed statehood restoration, Shah acknowledged political pressures but reaffirmed the government’s commitment. “Statehood will be restored at an appropriate time after discussions with Omar Abdullah,” he assured, signaling a collaborative approach to resolving the issue.

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Turning to Ladakh, where recent agitations by the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance have demanded statehood and 6th Schedule safeguards, Shah urged patience. “We are in talks with committees from Leh and Kargil, and there will be a good resolution for all their just demands,” he said. The statement reflects ongoing negotiations with Ladakh’s political and civil society groups pushing for greater autonomy and protections.

When questioned about the detention of educator-turned-activist Sonam Wangchuk, jailed under the NSA for allegedly inciting protests that led to violence in Leh, including the torching of the BJP office, Shah remained cautious. “I can speak to the demands of the people, not individuals. Wangchuk’s case is before the court, which will decide based on evidence,” he stated, sidestepping direct comment on the high-profile case.

Shah also addressed the government’s broader security agenda, spotlighting its “ruthless campaign” against Maoist insurgency. He accused Maoist ideology of stunting development in tribal areas and claimed significant progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “In 11 years, we’ve demolished 600 Maoist camps, disrupted their finances, and blocked their weapons supply,” Shah said, boldly predicting the complete eradication of Maoism by December 31, 2026.

The Home Minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in Ladakh following the September 24 violence, where four people were killed in police firing during protests. Shah’s assurances of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir and resolutions for Ladakh signal the government’s intent to address regional aspirations, but the timeline and specifics remain under wraps, leaving residents and observers watching closely for concrete action.

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