Panaji, Aug 22 (IANS) The Western Zonal Council of states on Thursday endorsed the decision by the Modi government to abrogate Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution related to Jammu and Kashmir.

"The meeting began with Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis welcoming the decision taken by the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister regarding the removal of Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution in respect of the State of Jammu & Kashmir," an official statement said.

"He (Fadnavis) also emphasised that this decision would pave the way for the development of J&K and Ladakh and integration of this region with the rest of the country," it said.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister's remarks were endorsed by Chief Ministers of member states Goa and Gujarat and representatives from Union Territories of Daman, Diu and Dadra Nagar Haveli.

The Western Zonal Council is one of the five councils set up in 1957 under Sections 15-22 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, with the stated objective of resolving disputes between the Centre and states and among the respective states in the designated zones.