In a statement shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, she assured the public that the National Conference is committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people, with a key focus on restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Itoo emphasised the party’s responsibility in addressing the people’s mandate and their expectations. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have given us a huge mandate, and we will ensure that their hopes are met with action. Our top priority will be the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We won’t discriminate based on region or religion. Both regions, Kashmir and Jammu, will receive equal representation. From Kashmir, we have the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister is from Jammu,” she told a local news gatherer KINS.

Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood has been a longstanding demand since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Itoo reiterated the party’s commitment to achieving this objective, signalling it as the central pillar of the new administration’s agenda.

Additionally, Itoo discussed the revival of the traditional Darbar Move, a biannual practice of shifting the capital between Srinagar and Jammu. “The Darbar Move has been an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir’s administration, ensuring balanced attention to both Jammu and Srinagar. We will work towards reviving this tradition to bridge the gap between the two regions,” she added.Sakina Itoo, a prominent NC leader from South Kashmir, holds a key position in Omar Abdullah’s government, which was sworn in following the historic assembly elections. This electoral victory, according to Itoo, reflects the people’s desire for stability, development, and the preservation of Jammu and Kashmir’s unique identity. “This mandate shows that people trust us to lead them through these challenging times. We are aware of the responsibilities that come with it, and we are determined to deliver on every front, be it development, education, or healthcare,” Itoo said.

The newly formed government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, is set to convene its first cabinet meeting tomorrow. High on the agenda is a resolution calling for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, a move that is likely to be passed unanimously. The resolution is seen as a significant step towards pressing the central government for the reinstatement of full statehood, a cause that has garnered widespread support across political lines.

Omar Abdullah, who was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, took his oath of office in a ceremony presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. His return to leadership marks a significant moment following years of political uncertainty in the region.

The first cabinet meeting is expected to tackle pressing administrative issues and outline the government’s plans for governance. Top priorities include streamlining administrative processes, addressing public grievances, and ensuring transparency in bureaucratic operations. The meeting will also review ongoing development projects, with a focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.

In preparation for this meeting, Omar Abdullah is scheduled to meet with secretaries and key officers in the Civil Secretariat to discuss crucial administrative and governance matters. These preliminary meetings are intended to set the tone for efficient collaboration between the executive and the bureaucracy, ensuring that the new government hits the ground running.

As the new government takes its first steps, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are watching closely, hopeful that the promises of equality, development, and statehood restoration will soon materialise.