Jammu and Kashmir will soon get statehood status: Modi

UDHAMPUR: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Friday that Jammu and Kashmir would soon be given statehood status along with the state-level elections for the upcoming Lok Sabha election scheduled from April 19.

Modi’s announcement follows the revocation of Article 370 by his government on August 5, 2019.

Article 370 of the Indian Constitution had previously accorded Jammu and Kashmir semi-autonomous status and special powers, which were rescinded by Modi’s government.

Addressing a political gathering in Udhampur, Modi reiterated that (Indian) statehood status would soon be conferred upon Jammu and Kashmir.

He also critiqued Article 370, describing it as a measure adopted for political expediency, and asserted that circumstances in the region have undergone significant change since its abolition.

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Modi likened the transformation witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade to a preview of an upcoming film, implying substantial future developments.

Assuring attendees at the rally, Modi reiterated that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir was imminent, to be followed by state-level elections.

India’s general elections, commencing on April 19 and spanning six weeks until June 1, are currently under way, involving phased polling across different states with approximately 970 million eligible voters.