According to J&K leaders, Modi has assured them that elections will be held following delimitation and that statehood will be restored.

In the first all-party meeting of Jammu and Kashmir leaders since the repeal of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Thursday that the Centre is fully committed to the democratic process in the region and that holding Assembly elections in the region, as well as the successful conduct of District Development Council (DDC) polls, is a priority.

The key issues discussed in the crucial all-party meeting on Jammu and Kashmir, which was chaired by Prime Minister Modi and included leaders from various political parties in J&K, were delimitation, the roadmap for Assembly elections, the restoration of statehood, and the return of Kashmiri Pandits.

According to sources, the meeting lasted more than three and a half hours and no cross-border issues were raised.

The Prime Minister heard all the suggestions and inputs put forward by the participants in the first such meeting, held nearly two years after the erstwhile state of J&K lost its special status and was bifurcated into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh – and expressed happiness that everyone shared their frank views.

It was an open discussion centred on creating a better future for Kashmir, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the democratic process in J&K.

Congress’s five key demands included the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir, Assembly elections, domicile rules, the return of Kashmir Pandits, and the release of political prisoners, according to senior party leader Ghulam Nabi Azad after the marathon meeting.

Altaf Bukhari, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, stated that the Prime Minister patiently listened to each speaker and that the main topics of discussion were the delimitation process and elections in the former state.

It was proposed that the elections take place soon after the delimitation process, which was agreed upon by the majority of participants.

Delimitation is a requirement for holding Assembly elections, which the authorities and political class are looking forward to as they seek to kickstart the political process, an objective that can speed up the development process in J&K.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening democracy at the grassroots level and collaborating with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure their well-being.

He expressed his gratitude for everyone’s dedication to the Constitution and democracy, and he stated that even one person can make a difference.

Modi went on to say, “We need to give opportunities to the youth in Jammu and Kashmir, and they will give a lot back to our country.”

During the meeting, the progress made by J&K was thoroughly discussed, including the numerous pro-people initiatives.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the rapid pace of development in J&K, saying it is instilling new hope and aspirations in the people.

He went on to say that when people experience corruption-free governance, it inspires trust in them to cooperate with the administration, which is evident in Jammu and Kashmir today.

Modi stated that there would be political differences, but that everyone should work together for the greater good of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasised the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for all segments of society in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that he wishes to abolish both the ‘Dilli ki Duri’ and the ‘Dil Ki Duri’.

“We are committed to ensuring J&K’s overall development. The future of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed, and the delimitation exercise and peaceful elections are critical steps toward restoring statehood, as promised in parliament “Following the meeting, Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.

Four former Chief Ministers of J&K were among the 14 leaders who attended the meeting. Three of them, National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, were detained for six months to a year beginning on August 5, 2019, when the changes went into effect.

Ghulam Nabi Azad of the Congress was the other former J&K CM who attended the all-party meeting.