Jammu and Kashmir UT Day Sparks Debate over Statehood

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha criticized National Conference leaders, including Omar Abdullah, for skipping Jammu and Kashmir's sixth Union Territory Foundation Day celebrations. Sinha emphasized the reality of UT status, contrasting NC's call for restored statehood. NC leaders argue that the 2019 reorganization was unconstitutional, advocating for pre-2019 full statehood.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has called into question the absence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other National Conference (NC) leaders at the Union Territory Foundation Day celebrations held on Thursday. Sinha stressed the importance of the occasion, underscoring that Jammu and Kashmir's current designation as a Union Territory is a matter of fact.

"This is not the first such celebration. Despite recent elections, not everyone could attend, but Jammu and Kashmir remains a Union Territory, a status we must acknowledge," Sinha stated. He further added, "Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have reiterated that delimitation precedes Assembly elections, followed by restoration of statehood. PM Modi, on his Yoga Day visit, assured that Assembly elections will soon be held, eventually restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir." The National Conference has opposed UT Day, advocating for full statehood. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq declared the day unrecognized by the party, citing the 2019 status change as unconstitutional.

The JKNC spokesperson affirmed to ANI, "We will never settle for Union Territory status. Our demand is firm: full statehood and the rightful status Jammu and Kashmir held before August 5, 2019." The Union Territory Foundation Day marks Jammu and Kashmir's reorganization under the 2019 act and was celebrated at Jammu's Convention Centre.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Sinha convened a security and development review meeting in Srinagar on Monday, ahead of the UT's founding day. Attendees included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, and other senior officials. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)