J&K leaders-Modi meeting Highlights: Delimitation has to happen at quick pace so that polls can happen, says PM Modi

Omar Abdullah talks to media after meeting

"Our priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in J&K. Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and J&K gets an elected Government that gives strength to J&K’s development trajectory," PM Modi said.

Our priority is to strengthen grassroots democracy in J&K. Delimitation has to happen at a quick pace so that polls can happen and J&K gets an elected Government that gives strength to J&K’s development trajectory. pic.twitter.com/AEyVGQ1NGy

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 24, 2021

Talking to PTI immediately after a crucial meeting chaired by the prime minister, Abdullah said his National Conference would continue to challenge through legal and constitutional means the abrogation of special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. "There is a loss of trust which needs to be restored immediately and for that, to begin with, the Centre should work for restoration of complete statehood to Jammu and Kashmir," Abdullah, who is a Lok Sabha member, said. "I conveyed to the prime minister that the statehood means reverting even the IAS and IPS cadres of Jammu and Kashmir. The state has to be in totality," he said after the meeting that lasted for over three hours. The NC chief, who was accompanied by his son and former chief minister Omar Abdullah, said it was vital for the Centre to restore the identity of Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest so that other democratic exercises could be carried forward. --PTI

"We are committed to ensure all round development of J&K. The future of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed and the delimitation exercise and peaceful elections are important milestones in restoring statehood as promised in parliament," Amit Shah tweeted after meeting.

We are committed to ensure all round development of J&K.

The future of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed and the delimitation exercise and peaceful elections are important milestones in restoring statehood as promised in parliament.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 24, 2021

"People of J&K are in a lot of difficulties after 5th Aug 2019. They're angry, upset & emotionally shattered. They feel humiliated. I told PM that people of J&K don't accept the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated unconstitutionally, illegally &immorally," Mehbooba Mufti, PDP, said.

People of J&K are in a lot of difficulties after 5th Aug 2019. They're angry, upset & emotionally shattered. They feel humiliated. I told PM that people of J&K don't accept the manner in which Article 370 was abrogated unconstitutionally, illegally &immorally: Mehbooba Mufti, PDP pic.twitter.com/2xHZxlAlK1

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

"All leaders demanded full statehood for J&K. Both PM & HM said the work for elections and restoring statehood should start soon. Azad Sahib said that first statehood should be restored and then elections should be held. On this PM didn't say anything," Omar Abdullah said.

"We requested PM that our fight will continue but it's essential to reverse some decisions that aren't at all in the interest of J&K. It was given the status of a UT, people don't like it. They want full statehood for J&K with J&K cadre restored," ANI reported Omar Abdullah, National Conference leader, as saying.

We told PM that we don't stand with what was done on 5th Aug 2019. We're not ready to accept it. But we won't take law into hands. We'll fight this in court. We also told PM that there's been breach of trust b/w State & Centre. It's Centre's duty to restore it: Omar Abdullah, National Conference

We told PM that we don't stand with what was done on 5th Aug 2019. We're not ready to accept it. But we won't take law into hands. We'll fight this in court. We also told PM that there's been breach of trust b/w State & Centre. It's Centre's duty to restore it: Omar Abdullah, NC pic.twitter.com/UjBdTL0mOL

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

"It was a good meeting, a good initiative. The Prime Minister heard all leaders. In response to them, he said, "let us move ahead," said Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress on PM Modi-J&K leaders meeting.

It was a good meeting, a good initiative. The Prime Minister heard all leaders. In response to them, he said, "let us move ahead": Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress on PM Modi- J&K leaders meeting pic.twitter.com/M2gwhNjdqc

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

J&K leaders with PM Modi after the meeting.

Terming the meeting "cordial" and "positive", People's Conference leader Muzzafar Hussain Baig said PM Modi assured that he will do everything to make Jammu and Kashmir a zone of peace rather than conflict. "All leaders demanded statehood. To which PM said, the delimitation process should conclude first and then other issues will be addressed. It was a satisfactory meeting. There was complete unanimity for restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir," Baig added.

All leaders demanded statehood. To which PM said, the delimitation process should conclude first and then other issues will be addressed. It was a satisfactory meeting. There was complete unanimity for restoring peace in Jammu and Kashmir: Muzaffar Hussain Baig on PM's J&K meet pic.twitter.com/SGtIaXKEJ9

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

"We kept 5 demands in the meeting- grant statehood soon, conduct Assembly elections to restore democracy, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in J&K, all political detainees should be released and on domicile rules," Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on PM Modi-J&K leaders meet.

We kept 5 demands in the meeting- grant statehood soon, conduct Assembly elections to restore democracy, rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in J&K, all political detainees should be released and on domicile rules: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on PM Modi-J&K leaders meet pic.twitter.com/bgw2DuWe2G

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

The PM asked all to participate in the delimitation process. We have been assured that this is the roadmap towards elections. PM also said that we are committed to the restoration of statehood: J&K Apni Party's Altaf Bukhari on PM Modi-J&K leaders meet

The PM asked all to participate in the delimitation process. We have been assured that this is the roadmap towards elections. PM also said that we are committed to the restoration of statehood: J&K Apni Party's Altaf Bukhari on PM Modi-J&K leaders meet pic.twitter.com/u2aZyOnlQw

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

"The talks were held in a good atmosphere today. The Prime Minister heard our issues of all leaders. PM said that election process will begin when delimitation process finishes," J&K Apni Party's Altaf Bukhari on PM Modi-J&K leaders meet

The talks were held in a good atmosphere today. The Prime Minister heard our issues of all leaders. PM said that election process will begin when delimitation process finishes: J&K Apni Party's Altaf Bukhari on PM Modi-J&K leaders meet pic.twitter.com/JymTwNPr9N

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Meeting with PM Modi on J&K over

Kashmir meeting over, LG Manoj Sinha leaves. @IndianExpress

— Deeptiman Tiwary (@DeeptimanTY) June 24, 2021

In the government's first outreach to Jammu and Kashmir's political leadership in almost two years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a crucial meeting with 14 leaders, including four former chief ministers, to chalk out the future course of action in the union territory. The prime minister, accompanied by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, received the leaders from eight parties, including the National Conference, the PDP, the BJP and the Congress, at his residence. This is the first interaction between the Central leadership and the mainstream parties since August 5, 2019, when the Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 and bifurcated it into two union territories, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. --PTI

Meeting on J&K with PM underway. J&K party leaders present. (Photo: Twitter @PMOIndia)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds meeting with Jammu and Kashmir leaders in Delhi

#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds meeting with Jammu and Kashmir leaders in Delhi pic.twitter.com/8nDYDzdTfy

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

All-party meeting begins at PM Modi's residence.

Delhi: The all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg.

PDP's Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah, Congress' Ghulam Nabi Azad, and other leaders of Jammu and Kashmir are present at the meet.

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

"I am going to the meeting. I will keep the demands there and then I will talk to you. Mehbooba Mufti is the president of her party, why should I speak on what she said," National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said ahead of the all-party meeting called by PM Narendra Modi.

I am going to the meeting. I will keep the demands there and then I will talk to you. Mehbooba Mufti is the president of her party, why should I speak on what she said: National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, ahead of the all-party meeting called by PM Narendra Modi today pic.twitter.com/kNW1pR3GM7

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha arrives at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, Prime Minister's official residence. PM Narendra Modi has called an all-party meeting of J&K's political parties.

Delhi: Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha arrives at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, Prime Minister's official residence. PM Narendra Modi has called an all-party meeting of J&K's political parties. pic.twitter.com/URsHCtSE9d

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

BJP Jammu and Kashmir leaders including Ravinder Raina and Nirmal Singh as well as Union home minister Amit Shah have reached Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence for the all-party meeting.

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti has left from Jammu and Kashmir House in Delhi for the meeting.

Our expectations are that it should be a good beginning to resolve the issues, concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Whatever has been done to us is not within the limits of the Constitution. Our rights, guaranteed under the provisions of the Constitution of India, have been snatched from us. We will demand the Centre and PM Modi to reconsider and restore those rights which have been guaranteed by the Constituent Assembly of India: Yousuf Tarigami, CPI(M), on All-Party Meeting called by PM Narendra Modi

Our expectations are that it should be a good beginning to resolve the issues, concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh. Whatever has been done to us is not within the limits of the Constitution: Yousuf Tarigami, CPI(M) on All-Party Meeting called by PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/p2yz2MmbyX

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah arrives at the residence of party chief Farooq Abdullah in Delhi. (ANI)

#UPDATE | National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah arrives at the residence of party chief Farooq Abdullah in Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called an all-party meeting of J&K's political parties today in the national capital. pic.twitter.com/m1cLRO7eqR

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah arrives at his residence in Delhi. He will be participating in the all-party meeting of J&K's political parties called by PM Narendra Modi. (ANI)

#UPDATE | National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah arrives at his residence in Delhi. He will participate in the all-party meeting of J&K's political parties, called by PM Narendra Modi, later today. pic.twitter.com/0eMGivat1w

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Ghulam Ahmad Mir, when asked if he is against the restoration of Article 370, said, “For now, we will not talk about this. People of J&K are in distress since the August 5, 2019, since the decision of degrading and bifurcating the state was taken.” (ANI)

Delhi: "For now, we will not talk about this. People of J&K are in distress since the August 5, 2019 decision of degrading and bifurcating the state," says Jammu and Kashmir Congress president, Ghulam Ahmad Mir on being asked if he is against the restoration of Article 370 pic.twitter.com/DKv0hRrUXd

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Jammu-based political party Ikkjutt Jammu (United Jammu) is planning to stage protests against the Modi-led central government for inviting the Gupkar parties for the meeting but allegedly ignoring Jammu-based groups.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress leaders meet former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad at his resident ahead of the all-party meet convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. (ANI)

Delhi: J&K Congress leaders met senior Congress leader & former chief minister of J&K, Ghulam Nabi Azad at his resident ahead of the all-party meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Modi today pic.twitter.com/algXvsyyKI

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Unfortunately, there is no agenda for (all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi). We've been told that it will be open-and-free debate. Ghulam Nabi Azad, myself, and Tara Chand will attend the meeting: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Ghulam Ahmad Mir. (ANI)

Delhi: Unfortunately there is no agenda for (all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi). We've been told that it will be open & free debate. Ghulam Nabi Azad, myself, and Tara Chand will attend the meeting: Jammu and Kashmir Congress president, Ghulam Ahmad Mir pic.twitter.com/tgDcX5Z1Pt

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

BJP national president JP Nadda arrives at the party's headquarters to attend a meeting with the Jammu & Kashmir leaders of the party. (ANI)

Delhi: BJP national president JP Nadda arrives at the party's headquarters to attend a meeting with the Jammu & Kashmir leaders of the party pic.twitter.com/eX11xJxRJV

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party's president Bhim Singh reaches New Delhi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s all-party meeting. “I am here as I'm invited (to join the All-Party Meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi). The statehood of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored,” he added. (ANI)

Delhi: I am here as I'm invited (to join the All-Party Meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi). The statehood of Jammu and Kashmir should be restored: Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party's president, Bhim Singh pic.twitter.com/nc786Olivp

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Jammu & Kashmir: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah leaves his residence in Srinagar to participate in the all-party meeting called by PM Narendra Modi today. (ANI)

#WATCH | Jammu & Kashmir: National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah leaves his residence in Srinagar to participate in the all-party meeting called by PM Narendra Modi today pic.twitter.com/dpo26oQm76

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

Dogra Front stages protest against Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu. "This protest is against Mufti's statement which she gave after Gupkar meeting that Pakistan is a stakeholder in the Kashmir issue. She should be put behind bars," a protester said. (ANI)

J&K: Dogra Front stages protest against Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti in Jammu

"This protest is against Mufti's statement which she gave after Gupkar meeting that Pakistan is a stakeholder in Kashmir issue. She should be put behind bars," says a protester pic.twitter.com/Mea8if43se

— ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2021

As Delhi initiates political engagement with the leaders of Jammu and Kashmir this week, for the first time since the state was reorganised in August 2019, Pakistan is all ears. In the last couple of weeks, well before Delhi announced its outreach, Islamabad went into a diplomatic overdrive to draw the world’s attention to what it claimed as India’s “new plans” to further divide Jammu and Kashmir. (Read C Raja Mohan take on the situation)

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with key political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir this week, senior Congress leader and former J&K Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said Monday that restoration of “full statehood” will be “top of the agenda”.

However, Azad, who has been invited for the June 24 meeting, was non-committal on whether he would demand restoration of special status to J&K. The meeting is the first such exercise by the Union Government since the abrogation of Article 370 and splitting of J&K into two Union Territories in August 2019. (Read Manoj C G's report)

The Union government’s invitation to 14 key political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir for a meeting with the Prime Minister in the national capital this week has led to speculation about possible scheduling of the Assembly elections. On Independence Day last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said elections would be held in J&K after the delimitation process in the Union Territory was over. Delimitation is crucial for kick-starting the political process in J&K. Read more

Behind the unanimous decision by the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) to attend the Prime Minister’s meeting Thursday is a sharp debate within. On how to read the Centre’s apparent “walk back” after the abrogation of J&K’s special status two years ago and its constant “denigration” of the coalition since then.

More than a “change of heart,” the refrain in Srinagar is that New Delhi’s move is shaped by political imperatives – from international to regional. (Read our Explainer)

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with leaders of all political parties from Jammu and Kashmir, a grouping of Leh-based socio-religious and political organisations, along with BJP MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal, on Wednesday demanded a separate legislature for the Union Territory of Ladakh.

“We had so far been demanding safeguards under 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution to address people’s apprehensions relating to land, reservation to jobs, culture, language and environment after abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A,’’ said former Ladakh MP Thupstan Chhewang, a member of Apex Body, which comprises heads of most socio-religious and political organisations, during a press conference in Leh. “However, we have now changed our demand to a UT with legislature for Ladakh.” (Read Arun Sharma's report)

On the eve of the Prime Minister’s meeting with leaders of mainstream parties in Jammu & Kashmir, the Election Commission held a virtual-mode meeting Wednesday with Deputy Commissioners of all J&K districts to discuss details of existing electoral constituencies.

Sources in the J&K administration said Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar’s meeting with the DCs was called to discuss “boundaries of the existing electoral constituencies, intersections of constituencies with other districts and tehsils”. (Read Naveed Iqbal and Arun Sharma’s report)