'Restoring political process': Modi to meet Jammu and Kashmir leaders on June 24

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to preside a meeting with all political parties from Jammu and Kashmir on June 24 in the first concrete move to restore the political processes, including restoration of a government through an election, in the federally-ruled territory, officials said today.

The meeting is the first since the Indian government announced the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 371 of the Constitution and its bifurcation into federal territories in August 2019, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

The central leadership has begun the process of inviting National Conference (NC) chief Farooq Abdullah, People's Democratic Party chairperson Mehbooba Mufti, Altaf Bukhari of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP), and People's Conference head Sajjad Lone for the discussion, the officials said.

Mehbooba said she had received a phone call from the Centre for a meeting on June 24. "I am yet to make a decision. I will discuss with my party members and take a final call," she said.

Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti had been chief ministers of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state.

Asked about the prospect of talks with the Centre, CPI(M) leader and spokesperson of an alliance of mainstream political parties Mohd Yusuf Tarigami said the meeting, if it happens, would be welcomed.

"We have never closed our doors for meaningful engagement with the Centre. Though I have no information about any dialogue, if it happens, it will be welcomed," he said.

The alliance of the parties in Jammu and Kashmir was formed after the Indian government's August 2019 decisions.