Patna: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir will take place “at an appropriate time,” and that the government is seeking a satisfactory resolution to demands raised by people in Ladakh.
Speaking at a media conclave in Patna, Shah described security and civic developments in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. He said the region has witnessed a turnaround in militancy, adding that “no local terrorist had been recruited in the last nine months,” which he presented as evidence of a qualitative improvement in law-and-order conditions.
“Earlier, Pakistan would not need to send terrorists across the border,” Shah said. “They used to place arms in the hands of our children. Now the situation has changed. The people of Jammu and Kashmir feel they belong to the entire country and the entire country belongs to them.” He noted that local democratic processes have resumed, with panchayat, municipal and assembly polls having taken place, and indicated Rajya Sabha elections would be held in due course.
On statehood, Shah responded to remarks by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about a continuing disconnect between New Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. “He may be saying this out of political compulsions,” Shah said, adding, “Statehood would be restored at an appropriate time. And it will be done following discussions with him.”
Regarding unrest in Ladakh, Shah said the Centre is engaging with local representatives. “We are in talks with the committees of Leh and Kargil,” he said, asking for patience while the government works toward a “good resolution” of legitimate demands raised by the region’s groups, including the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance.
When questioned about the case of Sonam Wangchuk, who remains detained and is accused of inciting protests in Ladakh, Shah said the issue is subjudice and must be decided by the courts on the basis of evidence.
Shah also addressed the Maoist insurgency, asserting that the government has weakened the movement over the past decade. “In the 11 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in power, we have demolished at least 600 Maoist camps, dried up their finances and blocked their access to weapons,” he said, adding his expectation that “Maoism will be completely wiped out by December 31, 2026.”
