Centre says ready to hold elections in Kashmir as a step to restore statehood

New Delhi: The Central Government informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it stands prepared for elections in Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the decision rests with the Union Territory and Central Election Commissions.

This announcement comes as part of the ongoing hearings on Article 370 in the Supreme Court.

Addressing the apex court's inquiry regarding the timing of elections in the newly formed Union Territory, the government emphasized that the electoral process could commence at any time.

The government also revealed that the voters' list update process, a crucial step in election preparation, has reached an advanced stage, marking a key milestone in the pre-election groundwork.

Meanwhile, the government reiterated the temporary status of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory and refrained from specifying a precise timeline for the restoration of its statehood.

Citing the region's complex history of disturbances spanning decades, the government conveyed to the court that while the journey towards complete statehood is inevitable, it might require a certain amount of time.