RESTORE J&K’S STATEHOOD

Apropos ‘Omar Abdullah opens the door (HT Comment, July 28)’, as expected Omar was angry about the abrogation of Article 370. He categorically said his party will not contest assembly elections till statehood is restored. Home minister Amit Shah has said that the revocation of statehood was temporary. In my opinion, J&K’S statehood should be restored this year. The Centre, as promised, must respond by initiating a dialogue with all stakeholders and initiate the process to hold an election at the earliest. A democratically elected popular government will instill a feeling of credibility and hope. It will strengthen our democracy and weaken Pakistan’s propaganda against India. Gradually, both sides will overcome the trust deficit and iron out their differences in the interest of the state.

Usha Verma, Chandigarh