The top brass of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has started feeling the heat of ‘dual control’ in the corridors of power. After Omar Abdullah’s swearing-in ceremony, the party leaders gave measured reactions to the Chief Minister’s role in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the helm of affairs.

However, the recent incidents of terrorist violence in which 12 innocent lives were lost in three separate incidents last week have once again provoked the leaders of the ruling party to flex their muscles in support of their demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.

On Saturday, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, who is also the Provincial President of the party (Kashmir division) told reporters on the sidelines of a function that Jammu & Kashmir cannot function effectively under its current “dual control” structure, where security remains under the Lieutenant Governor (LG) while other administrative functions are managed by the Chief Minister.

Speaking at an art exhibition for amateur artists in Srinagar, Wani highlighted that a unified governance model, achieved through the restoration of statehood, is essential for addressing J&K’s unique challenges.

“J&K is not like other states. We have made commitments to the people, and we will fulfill them,” he said, adding that the government should restore statehood.

Reiterating that the National Conference is committed to fulfilling all the promises made with the people, Wani said the people of J&K just need to show some patience as little time has passed since government formation.

Regarding the Chief Minister’s meetings with the Home Minister, Defence Minister, and Prime Minister, he said these discussions aimed to resolve common people’s issues, and they assured support for J&K’s progress.

He also stated that the people mandated the National Conference, and the party is committed to resolving common issues, as J&K has been without elected representation for the last ten years.