Jammu & Kashmir

Restoration of statehood to JK must, current status unacceptable: Karan Singh

Karan Singh. [File Photo]

Jammu: Senior Congress leader Karan Singh has called for the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, describing its current status as a “diminution” of India’s “crown.”

In an interview with PTI Videos, Singh, a former Sadr-i-Riyasat and Rajya Sabha MP, expressed concerns over changes following the abrogation of Article 370, which shifted the debate from state autonomy to the region’s downgraded status as a Union Territory.

Singh criticised the transition, deeming it “unacceptable” and likening it to falling behind states like Himachal Pradesh and Haryana in governance. While advocating for full statehood, he also supported domiciliary laws to protect locals’ land rights, similar to those in Himachal Pradesh.

Despite his criticism, Singh acknowledged some positive outcomes from the abrogation of Article 370, such as restoring property rights for women marrying non-residents and granting voting rights to migrants from Pakistan.

Decades earlier, Singh had proposed trifurcation of the state, an idea rejected then but partly realized now with Ladakh as a Union Territory.

He stressed the importance of a peaceful relationship between the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure balanced governance between Jammu and Kashmir regions.

]Reflecting on his political journey, Singh shared insights into his interactions with the Abdullah family and credited Farooq Abdullah for reviving his political career. He also expressed optimism about Omar Abdullah’s potential for a bright political future.

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