Srinagar, May 11 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that restoration of statehood remains a key issue for his government and that he would again raise the matter during his meeting with Union Home Minister in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar this morning, as per news agency JKNS, Omar Abdullah said the process regarding restoration of statehood is continuing and cannot be resolved in a single meeting.
“I wish we had got statehood in one meeting. Then we would have got it long ago. The process is going on, but whenever we meet, I always talk about statehood,” he said.
The Chief Minister said apart from statehood, he would also discuss several important issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir including business rules, reservation matters and issues referred to Delhi by the Lieutenant Governor.
“There are many issues which are better discussed directly with the Home Minister. Today in Delhi, I will speak to him about all these matters,” he said.
Reacting to questions regarding powers related to telecom restrictions, Omar Abdullah said such authority should remain with the Lieutenant Governor as long as law and order and security remain under the LG administration.
“Telephone tapping, internet shutdowns or suspension of mobile services are linked to law and order and security, which are under the Home Department and the LG. So these powers should remain with them,” he said.
He further remarked that it would be better for the elected government not to hold such powers while security responsibilities remain outside its jurisdiction.
On political developments in Delhi, the Chief Minister congratulated the BJP-led alliance over government formation and said the numbers were eventually secured after several rounds of meetings.
“This situation should not have arisen. As per the Supreme Court judgment, the Governor should have invited the single largest party or alliance first. Numbers are tested in the Assembly, not elsewhere,” he said.
Responding to queries about cabinet expansion and reshuffle, Omar Abdullah dismissed speculation and said governance and development work were not being affected.
“Is the work stopped? Are people not getting services? If there is any department not functioning properly, we will fix it,” he said.
The Chief Minister added that any reshuffle or cabinet expansion would be carried out at an appropriate time after consultation with the party leadership.
“At the appropriate time, we will reshuffle,” he added. (JKNS)