Fri Oct 18 12:23:45 UTC 2024: ## Jammu & Kashmir Cabinet Demands Reinstatement of Statehood
**Srinagar, October 18, 2024:** The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) cabinet, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has passed a resolution calling for the reinstatement of statehood for the union territory. This comes a day after the first cabinet meeting following the recent assembly elections.
The resolution, which will reportedly be handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Abdullah during a visit to Delhi, comes as a strong pushback against the 2019 decision to revoke Article 370 and divide J&K into two union territories.
However, the move has already sparked controversy. Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone criticized the decision, stating that the will of the people should be reflected in the Assembly, not the cabinet. He argued that the cabinet does not represent all opinions and shades of J&K society.
Lone also pointed out that the J&K National Conference (JKNC), Abdullah’s party, had pledged in their manifesto that the Assembly should pass a resolution against the revocation of statehood and special status. He questioned why the cabinet would take this action instead of the Assembly.
Meanwhile, the J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has allocated portfolios to the newly appointed ministers. Abdullah’s deputy, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, will be responsible for key departments including Public Works, Industries, and Labour. The lone female minister, Sakeena Masood (Itoo), has been assigned the Health, Education, and Social Welfare portfolios.
The BJP emerged as the largest party in the Jammu region, securing 29 seats, making them the second-largest party in the union territory. The NC, with 42 seats, formed the government with the support of Congress and Independent MLAs.
This resolution marks a significant development in the ongoing political discourse surrounding the future of J&K. The outcome of this demand for statehood reinstatement remains to be seen, with the central government yet to issue a response.
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