Expecting a timeline on J&K Statehood from SC, says CM Omar Abdullah

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he was expecting a timeline for the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) when the Supreme Court (SC) hears the petition in October this year.

“I hope that after October 10, when J&K’s Statehood matter comes up before the SC, a timeline will be set and J&K will soon be granted the status of a State,” Mr. Abdullah said.

He expressed sadness over “the prolonged wait from the Centre to restore Statehood”. “We now place our hopes in the SC and hope for a favourable view,” he added.

The J&K Chief Minister said his government had already passed a resolution on Statehood last year. “Now we wait for the SC’s hearing after October 10,” Mr. Abdullah said.

He, however, expressed unhappiness that the SC was not ready to hear the matter before October 10.

Mr. Abdullah’s statement came after the SC on Monday refused an urgent hearing on the Jammu and Kashmir Statehood petition and instead listed the matter for October 10 this year.

On August 14, the SC directed the Centre to file a reply within eight weeks on Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood petition. The SC also underlined that the Pahalgam attack “cannot be ignored”. At least 26 civilians were killed in the attack.