Srinagar, Oct 11 (JKNS): Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Sunday said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir could take place in the near future, asserting that the Union Government was committed to the region’s overall development.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (Athawale) and is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), as per news agency JKNS, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were aware of the commitment regarding statehood.
He said the Union Government was making efforts to develop Jammu and Kashmir and that political differences should not affect the allocation of funds or implementation of development projects.
Referring to the abrogation of Article 370, Athawale said the decision had brought Jammu and Kashmir under the full framework of the Indian Constitution, extending various constitutional provisions and benefits to the region.
He said the situation in Jammu and Kashmir had improved considerably, although challenges remained.
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Athawale said the Union Government had taken steps in response to the incident and urged Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism.
He said Jammu and Kashmir was an integral part of India and Pakistan should focus on improving its own economy rather than interfering in India’s internal affairs.
Athawale said the people of Pakistan also wanted peaceful relations with India, but political interests were preventing the two countries from moving towards normalisation.
He said the Union Government was ready to extend assistance to Jammu and Kashmir and urged the local administration to formulate proposals to address the region’s developmental requirements.
Athawale said he had visited several districts of Jammu and Kashmir during his previous visits and was continuing to interact with people to understand their concerns.
He reiterated that the Centre was committed to the region’s progress and that development initiatives should benefit people at the grassroots level. (JKNS)