J&K statehood at right time, will find just solution to Ladakh crisis: Shah

Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said Jammu & Kashmir would be granted statehood “at the right time” . He also assured Ladakh people of "good resolution" of their just demands.

Speaking about Article 370, he said the government had succeeded in breaking the separatist networks once sustained by the provision and the groups like the Hurriyat Conference and Jamaat-e-Islami.

“The Hurriyat and Jamaat-e-Islami had for years sown the seeds of separatism, which were nourished by Article 370. First, we removed that Article. Through its removal, we ensured that all Indians have rights in Kashmir, and Kashmiris have rights across India,” Shah said during an interview with a TV news channel in Patna.

He underlined that the Centre’s approach in the region was guided by outreach to youth and grassroots democracy. “We engaged with young people, conducted panchayat elections and held free and fair Assembly polls,” he said.

Citing improved security indicators, the Home Minister asserted that militant recruitment from within the Valley had dropped sharply. “Earlier, Pakistan did not even need to send terrorists; they would hand weapons to our children here. I am telling you on record — over the past nine months, just one local has turned terrorist in Kashmir. This is a fundamental change,” he said.

Shah also pointed out that India had dealt firmly with cross-border terrorism. “In the past 11 years, three major terror attacks have taken place, and each time we have responded decisively. We have shown the world that terrorism has no place on Indian soil,” he added.

Asked about the timeline for restoring statehood, Shah said he remained in “regular touch” with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “The Prime Minister and I have promised on the floor of Parliament that Jammu & Kashmir will be given statehood at the right time. That right time will be decided through dialogue,” he noted.

On the ongoing protests in Ladakh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, Shah said the Centre was in talks with representatives from Leh and Kargil and urged people to remain patient. "There will be a good resolution to all their just demands," he said.

When questioned about the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the Home Minister declined to comment directly, saying, “I can speak of the demands of the people, not about any individual. His case is before the court, which will take a decision based on the evidence.”