The Centre is likely to launch discussions with Jammu and Kashmir’s political parties in order to kickstart the political process and restore statehood, NDTV reported, quoting unnamed sources. While no formal invitation has been issued, the People’s Alliance of Gupkar Alliance (PAGD) has expressed its willingness to participate in negotiations. The National Conference has said it might join the delimitation process.
There has been no political process in Jammu and Kashmir since it was placed under President’s Rule after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ended its alliance with Mehbooba Mufti in June 2018. In August 2019, New Delhi revoked the J-K’s limited autonomy and bifurcated it into two Union Territories.
The state elections were expected to be held concurrently with the national elections in 2019, however, the Election Commission denied this, citing an administration assessment that claimed there was a security risk.
Sources told NDTV today that the government “may initiate an engagement process with the political parties and may discuss statehood and elections”.
