Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at appropriate time, says govt in Rajya Sabha

On a query regarding removal of internet and mobile restrictions, the Minister said that temporary restrictions had been imposed in view of the constitutional changes and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.

"Subsequently, the matter was reviewed from time to time and restrictions imposed were gradually eased out in a phased manner and 4G internet data services were restored in the entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with effect from February 2, 2021," the MoS said in the written reply.

After the Centre stripped the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state of its autonomy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held the first all-party meeting last month to discuss the future course of action and issues facing the region.

All major political personalities from the state such as Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti had attended the crucial meeting. The political parties from the state have been demanding full statehood before holding elections in the state.

The Modi government had on August 5, 2019 revoked the special constitutional status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. It had also abrogated Article 35A which empowered the state to define "permanent residents" and provide special rights and privileges to them.