J-K Awaits Statehood Restoration on Independence Day

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary expressed optimism that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will announce the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory during his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort on August 15. Speaking at a National Conference public meeting in Tali Morh Bari near Jammu, Choudhary criticized the August 5, 2019, decision to downgrade J&K into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh—as arbitrary and widely rejected by the region’s people.

Choudhary urged the central government to fulfill promises made by Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to restore statehood at an “appropriate time,” suggesting the ongoing Monsoon session of Parliament as the ideal moment to pass a bill. He highlighted the Omar Abdullah-led government’s achievements, including free bus travel for women, increased marriage assistance from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000 for Antyodaya Anna Yojana families, 200 units of free electricity for AAY households, and higher pensions for seniors, widows, and the physically challenged.

National Conference provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta emphasized that the 2024 assembly elections’ strong mandate for the party reflects public rejection of the 2019 downgrade. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to equitable development and intensified outreach in Jammu to address grievances and promote government achievements. Gupta stressed that the National Conference will continue advocating for full statehood and the rights of J&K’s citizens, aligning with the democratic aspirations of the people.

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