India, Feb. 18 -- Union Minister for Law and JusticeArjun Meghwalon Tuesday said that statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be restored soon, drawing a swift response from Chief MinisterOmar Abdullah, who said he hoped the wait would not be much longer.

After attending a function at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) here, Meghwal told reporters that while it was a "very sensitive issue", Union Home MinisterAmit Shahhad stated in the Lok Sabha that J&K's statehood would be restored.

"You will get it but there is a process for it. I feel you will soon get to hear about a decision in this regard," Meghwal said.

Reacting to the remarks, Abdullah, who was also present at the function, said, "I heard on the sidelines ...