Restoration of statehood on cards- PM calls all-party meet with Jammu and Kashmir leaders

By WEB DESK On Jun 19, 2021

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an all party-meeting on Jammu and Kashmir on June 24 in New Delhi. Sources said that informal invites to major political leaders in Jammu & Kashmir have also been sent. PDP President, Mehbooba Mufti said that she did “receive an informal invite and they were discussing it”.

“An intimation has been sent to us. We don’t know exactly what it is about yet but will wait for a formal invitation and then take a call”, said a senior leader in Jammu & Kashmir.

Top sources confirmed to India Today that the central government has reached out to mainstream parties in the Valley for a meeting next week to discuss the delimitation exercise or the process of redrawing constituencies in the Union Territory. This is ahead of the polls which could be scheduled in November or early next year.

The first major electoral exercise–District Development Council polls–was held in the region as part of efforts to restart political activities in Jammu & Kashmir last year. All major political parties participated in the exercise. The parties have also shown willingness to engage with the Centre.

The leaders of People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which was formed last year for the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s special status, have been hinting that their doors are open for any dialogue.

Former minister Sajad Lone-led Peoples Conference spokesman Adnan Ashraf said that they have not been invited to the meeting. “We have never been averse to any dialogue on Kashmir. The dialogue is a welcome step.”

J&K Congress chief GA Mir said that “We have not received any information regarding all-party meet with PM. If we get invitation for round table meet, we’ll convey this to national leadership. There’ll be a consultation & we will attend the meet. We appreciate this way of dialogue by Centre”.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday met National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and top security and intelligence officers. In a statement, the home ministry said Shah called all-around development and welfare of people of Jammu & Kashmir the government’s top priority.

(With Inputs From Agencies)