Jammu and Kashmir’s UT Day Controversy
Manoj Sinha Criticizes Omar Abdullah and NC Leaders
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and other National Conference (NC) leaders for not attending the sixth Union Territory (UT) Foundation Day celebrations. Sinha emphasized the importance of UT Day, stating that Jammu and Kashmir’s status as a Union Territory is a reality.
Sinha mentioned that the Home Minister had stated in Parliament that delimitation would occur first, followed by elections, and statehood at an appropriate time. He accused those who took an oath on the Constitution while J&K is a UT of duplicity for not attending the celebrations. Sinha assured that when Jammu and Kashmir becomes a state again, they will celebrate that as well.
NC leaders have opposed UT Day, demanding a return to full statehood. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq stated that the party does not recognize Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory, claiming its status was unconstitutionally taken in 2019. The JKNC spokesperson reiterated their demand for full statehood and the rightful status held before August 5, 2019.
The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day marks the creation of the Union Territory under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. This year, it was celebrated at the Convention Centre in Jammu. Prior to the celebrations, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha held a review meeting in Srinagar to discuss security and development in the Kashmir division. The meeting included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary for Home Chandraker Bharti, and other senior officials.
Doubts Revealed
Union Territory (UT) -: A Union Territory is a region in India that is directly governed by the Central Government, unlike states which have their own governments. Jammu and Kashmir became a Union Territory in 2019.
Manoj Sinha -: Manoj Sinha is the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, which means he is the representative of the Central Government in the Union Territory.
Omar Abdullah -: Omar Abdullah is a political leader in Jammu and Kashmir and a member of the National Conference party. He has served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in the past.
National Conference (NC) -: The National Conference is a political party in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the major parties in the region and has been in power several times.
UT Day -: UT Day, or Union Territory Day, is a day to mark the anniversary of Jammu and Kashmir becoming a Union Territory. It is celebrated to recognize the change in its status from a state to a Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 -: This is a law passed by the Indian government in 2019 that changed the status of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory. It also created a separate Union Territory for Ladakh.
Statehood -: Statehood refers to the status of being a state in India, which means having its own government and more autonomy compared to a Union Territory. Some leaders in Jammu and Kashmir want it to return to being a state.