Clarifications sought by Centre addressed
Srinagar, June 15: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s proposal on reservation has moved a step closer to a decision, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday announcing that replies to clarifications sought by the Centre have been prepared and will be forwarded to New Delhi after Cabinet approval.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said the government had completed its part of the exercise through the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine the reservation issue.
“The Cabinet Sub-Committee prepared its report, which was approved by the Cabinet and sent to the Lieutenant Governor. The LG forwarded it to Delhi, but the Central Government sought certain clarifications and returned the file,” Omar said.
He said the government has now prepared responses to the queries raised by the Centre and a Cabinet meeting will be held within the next two to three days to approve the reply before it is sent back to New Delhi.
“The reply is ready. A Cabinet meeting will shortly clear the response and it will be sent back to Delhi,” he said.
The reservation issue has emerged as one of the most closely watched matters in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly among students, job aspirants and various social groups seeking changes in the existing reservation framework.
While the Chief Minister did not disclose the nature of the clarifications sought by the Centre, his remarks indicate that the proposal has resumed movement through the administrative process after a period of uncertainty.
On the issue of restoration of statehood, Omar Abdullah said there was no change in the National Conference-led government’s plan to press the Centre for fulfilling its commitment.
“There is no change in our plan. We will raise the issue and go to Delhi to register our message at Jantar Mantar. The promise made to the people in the Supreme Court, Parliament and public forums must be honoured,” he said.
The Chief Minister said National Conference legislators and leaders would travel to Delhi during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament to press for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Omar said discussions covered statehood, the financial condition of Jammu and Kashmir and measures to accelerate developmental works.
“We discussed statehood, the financial condition of J&K and expediting development projects. I hope people will benefit from these discussions,” he said.
The Chief Minister also reviewed preparations for Muharram and said the administration had been monitoring arrangements for more than a month to ensure smooth observance. He also welcomed pilgrims arriving for the annual Amarnath Yatra and expressed hope for its peaceful and successful completion.
The remarks come days after a meeting of National Conference legislators and Members of Parliament at Dachigam, where the party resolved to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to demand restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards for Jammu and Kashmir.
