Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, May 11:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir remains a top priority for his government and that he would once again take up the issue during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said the process for restoration of statehood was ongoing and could not be achieved through a single round of discussions.
He said the matter continues to be raised at every meeting with the Union Government and expressed hope that the process would move forward through continued engagement.
The Chief Minister stated that besides statehood, several other important issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir would also be discussed with the Home Minister, including reservation-related matters, business rules and issues referred to the Centre by the Lieutenant Governor administration.
He said certain matters were better resolved through direct dialogue with the Union Home Minister and added that all key concerns of the Union Territory would be placed before him during the Delhi meeting.
Replying to a question regarding powers related to telecom restrictions, Omar Abdullah said authority over internet shutdowns, mobile service suspension and telephone tapping should remain with the Lieutenant Governor as long as law and order and security continue to remain under the LG administration.
He maintained that such powers are directly linked to security and internal administration, which presently falls under the jurisdiction of the Home Department and the Lieutenant Governor.
The Chief Minister further observed that it would not be appropriate for the elected government to exercise such powers while security-related responsibilities remain outside its control.
Commenting on recent political developments in Delhi, Omar Abdullah congratulated the BJP-led alliance on forming the government and said the required numbers were eventually secured after several rounds of deliberations.
However, he remarked that as per the Supreme Court judgment, the Governor should first invite the single-largest party or alliance to form the government, adding that the majority is ultimately tested on the floor of the Assembly.
On speculation regarding cabinet expansion or reshuffle, the Chief Minister dismissed concerns and said governance and developmental activities were continuing without interruption.
He said if any department was found lacking in performance, corrective measures would be taken accordingly.
Omar Abdullah added that any cabinet reshuffle or expansion would be carried out at an appropriate time after consultation with the party leadership.(KNC)