Srinagar, Jan 13: Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, expressed hope for the early restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters after the inauguration of the Z-Morh tunnel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wani according to news agency KINS said, “Jammu and Kashmir should not have been downgraded to a Union Territory. We are hopeful that statehood is restored at the earliest. The dual control system is creating more harm than good, and we want it to end soon.”
The newly inaugurated Z-Morh tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity to Sonamarg, was lauded by Wani as a significant step in boosting tourism in the region. “The tunnel will transform Sonamarg into an all-weather destination, benefiting the local economy and tourism sector,” he added.
The demand for the restoration of statehood has been a key political issue since Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two Union Territories in August 2019. Leaders across the political spectrum have repeatedly urged the central government to honor its commitment to restore J&K’s statehood. (KINS)