Omar urges PM to restore statehood, says it’s crucial to address challenges

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would help address many of the region’s challenges.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Conference (NC) office in Jammu, Omar reminded the Centre of its promise made in Parliament and the Supreme Court. “It is a different experience to run the government in a Union Territory. We had expected that within the first year of our government formation, the Central government would restore statehood to J&K, as it was promised to the people. It has not been done, but we will not retreat from our efforts,” Omar said.

He expressed confidence that once statehood is restored, issues in the region will begin to resolve. “We believe that all the issues of J&K will be resolved after restoration of statehood. I again request the PM and his team to fulfil the promise that they had made,” he added.

On the performance of his government, which marked one year in office, Omar said that progress was being made and that the administration had fast-tracked development work.

“I and my colleagues have done all possible efforts in this regard. Our government is not here for six months or a year, but for five years. People should not judge us based on just one year,” he said.

When asked what his approach would be if the Centre does not restore statehood, Omar replied, “All options are open. I still believe that even without threats or deterioration of the situation in J&K, the promise made to the people by the central government will be fulfilled.”

He questioned the BJP’s intentions, especially after winning 28 seats in Jammu. “You should ask the BJP why it is not fulfilling the promise of restoration of statehood even after winning 28 seats in Jammu,” Omar said.

On whether the BJP was using the issue as a bargaining tool, Omar warned, “It will be unfortunate if people of J&K are deprived of their rights merely because BJP was not able to form its government here. BJP did not say that statehood will be granted only if the CM is theirs. They had promised delimitation, elections, and then statehood.”

He added, “If BJP is now using statehood as a bargaining chip to align with them, then I fear there will be no statehood in the coming four years. If people wanted a BJP government, they would have chosen one in 2024. We will not allow BJP’s entry from the backdoor.”

Highlighting achievements, Omar said the regularisation of government employees had started. “Only today, 860 employees of the Education Department were regularised. Many other departments have also started this process. We will present a report card on all the promises after completion of our tenure.”

Speaking on political alliances, he confirmed the NC-Congress alliance was intact and said talks had taken place regarding the fourth Rajya Sabha seat, set for polls on October 24. Congress had opted out after not being offered a ‘safe seat’.

“The fourth seat was the best bet for Congress to win,” he said, adding that talks were also ongoing for the upcoming Nagrota bypoll. “If they have a candidate who is exceptional, we will agree to their terms,” he said.