Fri Oct 18 10:15:13 UTC 2024: ## J&K Cabinet Passes Resolution on Statehood Restoration, Sparks Controversy

**Srinagar, October 18, 2024:** In a move that has ignited controversy, the newly formed Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, reportedly passed a resolution on Thursday advocating for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory (UT). However, the decision has been met with criticism from opposition parties, who view it as a compromise and a departure from the promise of restoring Article 370.

The draft resolution was discussed during the first cabinet meeting, attended by Mr. Abdullah and his five ministers at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. While the resolution and its content remain shrouded in secrecy, with neither the National Conference (NC) nor government officials providing details, reports of the resolution have circulated widely in J&K media.

Opposition parties have been quick to condemn the move. PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra labelled the resolution as “ratification of the August 5th, 2019 decision,” referring to the abrogation of Article 370. He further criticized the resolution as a “huge setback,” given the NC’s campaign promises to restore Article 370.

J&K Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone questioned the secrecy surrounding the resolution, highlighting that the “will of the people of J&K is reflected in the Assembly, not in the cabinet.” Lone emphasized that the Assembly is the appropriate platform for addressing major issues like statehood and Article 370, highlighting that the NC previously passed a resolution on autonomy through the Assembly, not a cabinet decision.

Meanwhile, the Abdullah government has announced the distribution of portfolios among the five ministers, with two from the Kashmir valley and three from the Jammu region. Notably, despite being an alliance partner, no Congress leader has joined the Cabinet so far.

The resolution on statehood restoration remains a contentious issue, with opposition parties questioning the motives and methods employed by the newly formed government. The debate is likely to continue as J&K navigates its political landscape following the recent elections.

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