Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce the restoration of statehood for the Union Territory during his Independence Day address at the Red Fort.
Sharma made the demand in response to questions from reporters following the Supreme Court’s decision to give the Centre eight weeks to file its response on a plea seeking the restoration of J&K’s statehood.
“The PM should make an announcement tomorrow itself, rather than wait for something that may come after eight weeks,” he said.
The minister, however, emphasized that the Supreme Court should consider all aspects and restore the dignity of the people of J&K.
In a related development, the ruling National Conference (NC) expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Centre eight weeks. “It is disappointing. The people of J&K were eagerly awaiting good news, but today’s decision to wait for the Centre’s response for another eight weeks is disheartening,” said NC state spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar. He added that the party remains hopeful the people of J&K will receive “good news” in the next hearing or in the coming days.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran noted the submissions of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, that “several considerations go into the decision-making process.” The plea, filed by academic Zahoor Ahmad Bhat and socio-political activist Ahmad Malik, was listed for hearing after eight weeks.
“You cannot ignore what happened in Pahalgam… It is for Parliament and the executive to take a decision,” CJI Gavai remarked when senior lawyer Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing Bhat, sought an early hearing. (Agencies)
