Following a security review meeting led by Jammu Kashmir’s LG Manoj Sinha, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram emphasized the urgent need for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
He highlighted that while people have elected a chief minister and government for their security, the chief minister lacks authority.
In a post on X, Chidambaram pointed out the absence of the elected chief minister during the LG’s meeting, noting, “Whether he was invited or not, I do not know. Under the law applicable to J&K, police and public order are subjects reserved for the LG.”
He reiterated that the chief minister should oversee security, adding, “This is why J-K is described as half a state.”
Chidambaram’s call for immediate restoration of statehood comes in light of Sinha’s directives for a security audit of infrastructure projects and enhanced safety measures in the Kashmir Valley, particularly following a recent deadly attack on construction workers in Ganderbal district, which left seven dead, including a local doctor and six non-local laborers.
Sinha instructed J-K Police to reinforce security around key infrastructure and urged regular coordination with project implementing agencies to ensure worker safety.