Omar to meet Shah today, LG powers, statehood on table

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday with sources saying full statehood for J&K and the expanded powers of the LG of the UT are items for discussion likely.

Omar has been critical of the amendments to the transaction of business rules as part of the JK Reorganisation Act which has given extensive powers to the LG. Of late, there has been friction between Omar and LG Manoj Sinha in respect of transfer of some officers of the UT and extensions to some others.

The Central Government has multiple times assured that the statehood will be restored to J&K, the local parties are awaiting a decision on the same even after successful completion of Assembly elections.

This will be the second meeting of Omar with Shah after the former assumed office as the CM two months ago. Omar earlier met the Union Home Minister on October 23 where discussions on restoration of statehood were held.