Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is set to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday to deliberate on several pressing issues, including the expeditious restoration of statehood to the region.
This marks Omar’s second meeting with the Home Minister since assuming the Chief Ministerial role in the Union Territory, underscoring the significance of this dialogue in addressing key concerns of governance and autonomy.
During his first meeting, Omar reportedly received “positive assurances” from the Union Government regarding the restoration of statehood, bolstering his optimism. However, despite repeated commitments from the Centre, a definitive timeline for this transition remains elusive.
Beyond the statehood discussion, Omar is expected to highlight pressing administrative challenges, including the ongoing issue of dual control. Over two months into his tenure, Jammu and Kashmir still lacks finalized Transaction of Business Rules (TBR), which are crucial for delineating the authority of the elected government over various departments and administrative matters.
The absence of these rules has led to growing friction between Omar Abdullah’s government and the Lieutenant Governor-led administration, creating inefficiencies and potential conflicts over jurisdiction. Resolving this stalemate is expected to be a key point of discussion in today’s meeting.
Observers anticipate that this engagement could set the tone for accelerating administrative clarity and the long-awaited restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
