Restoration of political process, statehood key to normalcy in J-K, says Congress leader Karan Singh

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Jammu and Kashmir, veteran Congress leader Karan Singh said as he batted for early assembly elections in the Union Territory as well as reinstating its statehood. He also acknowledged that the law and order situation is «better» in Jammu and Kashmir, saying there has been a cessation of shutdown calls and «Hurriyat fatwas». But it cannot be claimed that there is «100 per cent complete control», Singh told PTI in an interview.

The Congress leader said that «at some point in time, the political process has to be restored». «Statehood has to be restored. Only then (when statehood and political process is restored), we can say, that total normalcy has set in (Jammu and Kashmir),» Singh said.

He highlighted that panchayat elections have already taken place, and now it is imperative to hold assembly elections as soon as possible. «It is assembly elections that are to be held now. They should be held as soon as possible.

It is for the government to decide when it will do it. That is their prerogative,» Singh said. In August 2019, the government abrogated Article 370, which granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, and bifurcated it in Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

To a question on peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir, he said calls for shutdowns and «Hurriyat fatwas» have ceased, resulting in a better environment. «The calls (for shutdown) and fatwas of Hurriyat are now shut. Law and order is better.

But we cannot say that everything is 100 per cent under control. At any time something could happen. But it (situation) has improved,» Singh said.