Omar Abdullah, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, criticized the central government’s delay in restoring statehood to J&K, asserting it’s a punishment for the people’s decision not to elect a BJP Chief Minister. He stated the prolonged period of Union Territory status is undemocratic and lacks justification, especially given the improved security situation.
Abdullah highlighted the frequent claims of normalcy returning to J&K, questioning why statehood hasn’t been restored if security concerns have diminished. He argued that holding assembly elections under the UT framework is insufficient, as it denies J&K residents full democratic rights and representation equivalent to other states.
He pointed out the irony of the government prioritizing the G20 summit in Kashmir as a demonstration of normalcy while simultaneously denying the region its statehood. Abdullah believes the restoration of statehood should precede any assembly elections, allowing the elected government to participate in decisions regarding J&K’s future.
The National Conference leader also dismissed the possibility of the BJP winning a majority in the upcoming elections, suggesting the delay in statehood is a strategy to avoid handing over power to a non-BJP government. He accused the central government of using the statehood issue as leverage to control the political landscape in J&K.
Abdullah further criticized the administration’s handling of issues like land rights and domicile rules, claiming they are designed to alter the demographic composition of the region. He emphasized the importance of restoring the rights and privileges enjoyed by the people of J&K before the revocation of Article 370. He concluded by reiterating his party’s commitment to the restoration of statehood and safeguarding the identity and rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
