Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, May 11 

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday and discussed restoration of statehood, business rules and other governance-related issues concerning the federally administered region.

The meeting covered a range of matters including rationalisation of reservations, public welfare measures and governance reforms in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The two leaders also reviewed the prevailing security and economic situation in the region, with discussions focusing on maintaining peace, stability and inclusive growth.

Abdullah stressed the need to address governance concerns and accelerate development and welfare initiatives to meet public aspirations in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. He also underlined the importance of continued coordination between the federal government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration on issues of public importance.

The discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere and included ways to strengthen governance, improve public service delivery and ensure long-term peace and prosperity in the region, officials added.

Before leaving for New Delhi, Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar that he would raise all issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir during the meeting with Shah.

“I wish we could have got our statehood after one meeting with the home minister. If that was the case, we would have got it a long time ago,” Abdullah said. “But yes, I will raise statehood, business rules and other issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir in the meeting.”

Abdullah also defended the federal government’s recent decision to grant telecom-related powers to the lieutenant governor during public safety events and national emergencies.

“There is nothing wrong in giving telecom powers to the LG during public safety events, as he holds the charge of security and law and order,” he told reporters. “This is the right thing. These powers should be with the lieutenant governor. This is not against the business rules or the reorganisation act.”

He said orders related to suspension of phone and internet services were issued by the Home Department, which falls under the lieutenant governor’s jurisdiction.

Last week, the federal government authorised the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise powers related to interception of signals, suspension of telecom services and decryption of messages during public safety events or national emergencies under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.