Staff Reporter / NEW DELHI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired an all-party meeting with the political leaders from Jammu & Kashmir here today.
The meeting was attended by leaders from various political parties including National conference leaders Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, Home Minister Amit Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, BJP Jammu and Kashmir President Ravinder Raina, and People’s Conference President Sajjad Lone.
This was the first such meeting after 5th August, 2019 when the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution that gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status.
Ahead of the meeting, National Conference Patron Farooq Abdullah had said in Srinagar that they will be able to make their position clear to the Prime Minister and Home Minister Amit Shah. Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, has said that she hopes for a clear resolution to their concerns. She also stated that all issues can be solved through dialogue.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said, talks were held in a very conducive atmosphere. He said, Prime Minister listened to every suggestion and praised everyone for keeping their points openly. Mr Modi said in the meeting that everyone has to work together to strengthen democracy at grassroot level.
Dr Singh said, this is a positive effort towards giving development and strengthening democracy in J&K. He said everyone showed their loyalty towards Indian democracy and the Constitution.
Talking to reporters after the meeting, Jammu and Kashmir BJP President Ravindra Raina said, the Prime Minister has assured all the leaders that the government is committed for the development and better future of Jammu and Kashmir.
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, his party demanded restoration of statehood and assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference Chief Farooq Abdullah also demanded restoration of full statehood of Jammu and Kashmir.
Muzaffar Hussain Baig of PDP informed that the Prime Minister said the exercise of delimitation has to finish first, and after that the issue of statehood and other issues can be taken up.
People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone said, the meeting was held in a very cordial manner.
This was the first such meeting after 5th August, 2019 when the Centre decided to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution that gave Jammu and Kashmir a special status.
Meanwhile, yesterday, the Election Commission held virtual discussions with its representatives in Jammu and Kashmir and deputy commissioners regarding the delimitation of the 90 Assembly constituencies in the Union Territory.