Decision on J&K statehood ‘very soon’: Union law minister Meghwal in Srinagar

During a recent workshop in Srinagar, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal announced that a decision regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will be made soon. This statement comes after a prolonged period of uncertainty, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressing optimism that the long wait of over a year and a half for statehood might soon come to an end. The minister emphasized that the process of restoring statehood is sensitive but ongoing, indicating that the government is actively considering the re-establishment of the region's prior status. The restoration of statehood is a significant issue for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been seeking greater autonomy since the region was reorganized into a Union Territory in August 2019. This development signals the central government's intent to address local concerns and restore normalcy in the region, which has been under heightened security and political scrutiny since the abrogation of Article 370. As discussions progress, stakeholders from various sectors are hopeful for a positive outcome that could lead to enhanced governance and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.