Budgam, Oct 17: Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday said the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remains a crucial issue, asserting that the resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly reflects the collective will of the elected representatives of the people.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a workers’ convention held at his residence in Badipora, Chadoora, Rather said the resolution was significant as it was passed unanimously by the elected representatives of Jammu and Kashmir, urging the Government of India to restore statehood at the earliest.
He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had repeatedly raised the demand for restoration of statehood before and after the Assembly elections.
However, the latest resolution carries particular significance as it represents the collective voice of the elected House, he added.
The Speaker also referred to earlier resolutions passed by the Assembly, including the resolution adopted in 2024 seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s “special status” and the resolution passed in June 2000 concerning the restoration of constitutional and legal safeguards previously available to the people of the erstwhile state.
“The Government of India should respect the Assembly’s resolution,” he said, adding that doing so would amount to respecting democratic institutions and the mandate of the people.
On the National Conference-led government completing two years in office, Rather said developmental works were underway and that people were largely satisfied with the government’s performance in areas he had visited.
“I am not part of the Cabinet. However, developmental works are taking place, including in my constituency and district,” he said.
Rather added that three years remained in the government’s tenure and expressed hope that the promises made in the election manifesto would be fulfilled before the next Assembly elections.
Reacting to the viral video showing an IAS officer allegedly using objectionable language against a woman JKAS officer during an official meeting, the Speaker said an inquiry had been ordered by the Chief Minister. “The matter should be investigated, and appropriate action taken against anyone found responsible, irrespective of their position,” he said—(KNO)
