Jammu, Feb 18 : Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma on Wednesday asserted that the process for its return is underway, but sought to distance the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from any claims of consultation with the National Conference (NC) leadership.
Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly complex, Sharma as per KNS was responding to recent statements by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union Ministers regarding the timeline and modalities for restoring statehood to the Union Territory.
“Statehood is coming. But I do not know whether it will come after consultation with Omar Abdullah, nor do I know if he has been informed about the start of the process,” the BJP leader said according to KNS.
His remarks come a day after Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal described the statehood issue as “sensitive” and indicated that a decision could be expected soon. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier expressed hope that the wait for restoration might not be prolonged, stating that the government was in continuous dialogue with the Centre.
The LoP, however, did not elaborate on the specific timeline or the constitutional steps involved in the restoration.
The exchange marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing political tussle between the NC and the BJP over the future political status of Jammu and Kashmir, which was bifurcated into two Union Territories in August 2019. (KNS)
