ibn sultan
JAMMU, Aug 15: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday expressed hope that Jammu and Kashmir would regain full statehood by the time the country celebrates Independence Day next year, saying restoration of statehood remains a clear demand of the people.
Speaking to reporters after the Independence Day celebrations in Jammu, Choudhary said restoration of statehood was not only a demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir but also a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
“The restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is our clear demand. This is not merely our demand; it is also a promise made by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Choudhary expressed hope that the Union Territory would be restored to statehood before the next Independence Day.
Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised as a Union Territory in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370, with the Centre having repeatedly indicated that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time.
