Urges immediate restoration of full Statehood to J&K, Calls for Domiciliary Provisions & Administrative Reforms in J&K

JK News Today

NEW DELHI, Oct 9: Former Sadr-i-Riyasat of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and former Member of Parliament, Dr. Karan Singh today expressed his satisfaction over the peaceful conduct of elections in Jammu & Kashmir after a gap of ten years. He applauded the Election Commission of India and security forces for ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process, free from any untoward incidents.

In a statement issued here today, the former Member Parliament said “It is a matter of great satisfaction that after ten long years free and fair elections were held in Jammu & Kashmir without any untoward incident for which the Election Commission and the security forces deserve appreciation. The National Conference has performed spectacularly in Kashmir while the B.J.P has done the same in Jammu. However, the B.J.P has drawn blank in Kashmir and the Congress a virtual blank in Jammu. There is thus a clear and sharp political divide between the two regions which will be a challenge for the new government to overcome administratively.”

“I warmly congratulate Omar Abdullah upon his forming a government later this week and wish him a very successful tenure,” he said.

“The next logical step, of course, is to restore full Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. This has been a commitment of the Government of India to the Supreme Court and I would urge that it be done without further delay while the political atmosphere is still vibrant. Domiciliary provisions should be introduced on the lines those prevailing in Uttarakhand and Himachal regarding acquisition of property. Building on the work done during Governor’s rule the new government will have to ensure that administrative discipline continues and there is no room given to corrupt practices. It is now my hope that the beautiful State created by my ancestors will move into a new phase of harmony and all-round development,” he added.