Chidambaram Urges Full J and K Statehood
Chidambaram Calls for Immediate Statehood Restoration
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has made a strong demand for the restoration of full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing the need for the elected government to have actual authority over its own affairs. His remarks came just a day after Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha conducted a security review meeting, which highlighted the ongoing security concerns in the region.
Elected Government Lacks Authority, Says Chidambaram
Expressing his concerns, Chidambaram pointed out the limited powers of the current Jammu & Kashmir administration. In a post on X, he noted that while the people have elected a chief minister and a government, these officials lack authority over critical matters like security and law enforcement. “The photograph of the LG of Jammu & Kashmir presiding over a meeting to review the law and order situation is telling,” Chidambaram wrote, emphasizing that the absence of the elected chief minister from such meetings reflects the restricted powers of the state’s elected representatives. This situation, he argued, underlines the need for full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir.
Chidambaram’s Concerns on Governance
Chidambaram’s statement highlights a crucial issue with the governance structure in Jammu & Kashmir. According to him, the full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir is essential for the proper functioning of its elected government. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current arrangement, describing Jammu & Kashmir as “half a state” because the elected chief minister does not have control over law enforcement and public order. Under the present laws, these areas are reserved for the Lieutenant Governor, limiting the autonomy of the elected government.
Chidambaram Stresses the Need for Statehood
The former Home Minister emphasized that the immediate restoration of full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir is not just a political demand but a necessity for effective governance. He stressed that without statehood, the region’s elected officials cannot perform their roles fully, particularly in areas that impact the safety and well-being of residents. Chidambaram’s stance reflects a broader call within certain political circles for the return of complete self-governance to Jammu & Kashmir, which has been under the direct control of the central government since the abrogation of its special status in 2019.
LG Sinha’s Security Review and Directions
Chidambaram’s comments came in response to a recent security review led by LG Manoj Sinha in Srinagar. During the meeting, Sinha directed the implementation of several measures aimed at enhancing security in the Kashmir Valley. The review was conducted following a deadly attack on construction workers at a tunnel in the Gagangir area of Ganderbal district, which resulted in the deaths of a local doctor and six non-local laborers. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba.
During the security meeting, Sinha instructed the police to conduct a thorough audit of infrastructure projects and increase security measures, including round-the-clock checkpoints and night patrolling. He stressed the importance of full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir to be restored so that such critical decisions could involve the region’s elected leaders.
The Impact of the Security Review
The security review meeting, held at the Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, was attended by senior officials including Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary Home Department Chandraker Bharti, and Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) Vijay Kumar. LG Sinha emphasized the need for a robust security grid around key infrastructure projects, construction camps, and the safety of workers. He also called for regular coordination meetings between law enforcement agencies and project managers.
Chidambaram, however, questioned the absence of the chief minister from such crucial discussions. He suggested that this is one of the reasons why the restoration of full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir is vital. According to him, an elected government should have a say in decisions that directly impact the safety and security of the people it represents.
Political Debate on Statehood Intensifies
The demand for full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir has become a contentious political issue since the region’s special status was revoked in August 2019, when Article 370 was abrogated, and Jammu & Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories. Many opposition leaders, including Chidambaram, have repeatedly called for the return of statehood to ensure that the region’s elected government has full control over its internal matters.
Chidambaram’s recent comments underscore a broader call for the democratic rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He argued that the restoration of full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir would empower the region’s elected leaders and ensure that the will of the people is reflected in governance.
Conclusion: Urgent Call for Change
The debate over full statehood for Jammu & Kashmir continues to be a significant issue in Indian politics. Chidambaram’s remarks highlight the concerns surrounding the limited powers of the region’s elected officials and the need for restoring complete autonomy. While LG Sinha’s focus on security measures remains crucial in the current scenario, the push for statehood emphasizes the demand for a political framework that allows Jammu & Kashmir’s elected leaders to have a meaningful role in the region’s governance and future.
This content is based on recent statements made by P Chidambaram and security updates from Jammu & Kashmir. It is intended for informational purposes and does not reflect any political stance or opinion.