Group of Ministers constituted for tackling issues related to J&K, Ladakh

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that a five-membered constitution bench will hear all matters related to the abrogation of special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir through Article 370 and the state's division into two Union Territories. 

The apex court was scheduled to hear on Wednesday around 10 petitions regarding Article 370 and emoval of other restrictions, including communication blockade.

The petitions before the SC bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and consisting of Justices S A Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer, included a habeas corpus petition by Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury, challenging the detention of Kashmir politicians and his state party general secretary Mohammed Yousuf Tarigami.

Meanwhile, the government is also likely to announce to a package for J&K after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning. The cabinet meeting is expected to discuss the job promises, investment in the state and implementation of welfare schemes.

The move comes after Tuesday's inter-ministerial meet in the Home Ministry over the J&K reorganisation act, 2019.

The government constituted a Group of Ministers (GoM) on Wednesday, August 28, to look into issues concerning J&K and Ladakh. 

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and Minister for the PMO Jitendra Singh are part of the group.

The GoM is expected to suggest various development, economic and social steps for the welfare of the two union territories which will come into existence on October 31.

High schools were reopened on Wednesday in areas where restrictions have been eased but students kept away from schools. Staff presence was also minimal. 

J&K Director of Information and Public Relations Sehrish Asgar had said on Tuesday: "The education department has decided to open all high schools in Kashmir Valley from tomorrow in areas where relaxations have been provided."

Nikolay Kudashev, the Russian Envoy to India, said Article 370 is an internal matter. "This is the sovereign decision of Indian government, it's an internal matter of India. All issues existing between India & Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue on the basis of Shimla agreement & Lahore declaration," he said.

"A Bench of Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SA Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer today heard at least eight petitions challenging the actions of the Union government and issued notice to the Central government," reported Bar and Bench. 

SC issued a notice to the Centre on the plea by Kashmir Times Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin, seeking a direction for relaxing restrictions on the internet, landline, & other communication channels. SC sought a detailed response from the Centre within seven days.

Supreme Court issued a notice to Centre and others, saying that a five-judge Constitution Bench will hear all the petitions related to abrogation of Article 370, in the first week of October.

"It has to go to 5-judge Bench," said CJI Gogoi. 

He said that a 5-judge bench will hear all matters relating to Article 370 and bifurcating of J&K.

SC allowed CPI (M) leader Yechury to go to Kashmir and meet his party member Tarigami.

Solicitor General opposed the judgment but the court says what is wrong if one citizen wants to meet another.

In the inter-ministerial meeting on Tuesday - which saw the participation of as many as 15 secretaries from various ministries - implementation of 85 people-oriented schemes related to education, health, skill development, agriculture and employment was discussed.

According to officials, high schools in Kashmir valley will reopen in areas where restrictions have been lifted, on Wednesday.