Reorganisation of J&K into UTs : Countdown begins, Amit Shah to attend function

Srinagar, Oct 15: Preparations are in full swing to celebrate the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories on October 31.

Several union ministers including Amit Shah is likely to attend a function on October 31, when Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh will be officially declared union territories.

“Union Home Minister Amit Shah, his cabinet colleagues including Ravi Shankar Prasad and Jitendra Singh are also likely to attend the function, which will be held at Civil Secretariat Srinagar. Guard of honour will be presented to new Lieutenant Governor (LG),” said a source at the Civil Secretariat.

So far no decision has been taken whether Satya Pal Malik will be the LG of new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Government has already directed the administrative secretaries to remain available at Srinagar on October 31. Earlier, government had removed Jammu and Kashmir’s flag that was flying next to the national flag on the Civil Secretariat.

Prior to August 5, Jammu and Kashmir had its own constitution by virtue of its special status. Every legislation except in the matters related to defence, external affairs, and communications began with an exception clause that the law will apply to the whole of India except Jammu and Kashmir.

Post abrogation of Article 370, 164 state laws have ceased to exist in J&K. Similarly 106 central laws will be implemented in Jammu and Kashmir when it officially becomes Union Territory from November 1.