National Conference urges Centre to restore statehood to J&K as peace returns to the valley

New Delhi: As peace has returned after cessation of firing between India and Pakistan, the ruling National Conference has said "this is the time" for the Centre to act on its promise to restore statehood to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

"During the Pahalgam incident and the subsequent Operation Sindoor, people across Jammu and Kashmir stood firmly with the Centre and the armed forces even as they were facing Pakistan shelling and risking their lives. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have thus sent out a loud and clear message of 'not in our name' to Pakistan against its act of terror and aggression in Kashmir. Therefore, this is the time for the Centre to act on its promises, most importantly, on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as that will go a long way as a confidence-building measure with the people of J&K," said National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq, the party MLA representing a Srinagar constituency.

Sadiq said J&K CM Omar Abdullah is touring to oversee the relief and rehabilitation works in areas that suffered damages and casualties during Operation Sindoor.


"The J&K government will soon make an assessment and will seek Central assistance for relief and rehabilitation works. We are confident that the Centre will do whatever is needed," he said.