Delimitation,polls then J&K statehood to be restored: Amit Shah

Union home minister Amit Shah has said that delimitation will happen in Jammu and Kashmir, followed by elections and then restoration of statehood. Shah said at an event with members of Jammu and Kashmir's Youth Clubs in Srinagar on Saturday. He further said, terrorism has reduced, stone-pelting has is not visible anymore. I want to assure you that strict action will be taken against those who want to ruin the peace in J&K; no one can obstruct development here. It's our commitment. He said that the abrogation of Article 370 from the erstwhile state has brought democracy to grassroots level, which was earlier restricted to a few families. He announced that the J&K government had decided to form a youth club in every panchayat and Rs 25,000 will be provided to every such club.

“People questioned the curfew and internet suspension in J&K. Had there been no curfew, we don't know how many lives would have been lost. Kashmir’s youth have been saved due to curfew and internet suspension... three families ruled for 70 years...Why were 40,000 people killed,” Shah asked, launching a veiled attack on the Valley’s political leaders. “From fear, terrorism, corruption, and family-based politics to peace, development, and prosperity. The youth of Jammu-Kashmir have brought about this change,” Amit Shah said.

Delimitation is redrawing of the boundaries of an assembly or Lok Sabha constituency. It is done to reflect the demographic changes in a state, Union Territory or at the national level. The delimitation exercise of J&K is likely to begin next year. The Delimitation Commission has already started the process of redrawing assembly segments based on the 2011 census of the erstwhile state.