Srinagar, Aug. 31 -- Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Saturday expressed hope that statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be restored in the near future, saying the decision rests with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"Last year, assembly elections were held in which people participated in large numbers. Local body elections are also scheduled for October and November. Besides, we hope statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir very soon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has to take a call, but I believe it will be restored soon," Athawale told reporters in Srinagar on the sidelines of a function.

The Union Minister said that since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the region has witnessed an increase in employment opportunities wit...