Statehood no excuse for not working, says L-G; stop creating hurdles, specify timeline: Omar

The rift between the Raj Bhavan and the Omar Abdullah-led government came out in the open on Friday after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directly criticised the government, saying that “the excuse that work will be done only after statehood is granted cannot be accepted” and that “fooling people must stop”.

CM Abdullah retorted by saying he was doing his job despite the “hurdles” created in the path of the government.

Speaking at an event marking the Union Territory Foundation Day of Jammu and Kashmir, Sinha said there had been excessive discussion over the restoration of statehood.

“When the Assembly elections were held last year, it was clear to everyone that these were elections for a Union Territory Assembly,” he said.

“The excuse that work will be done only after statehood is restored cannot be accepted. All powers lie with the elected government. The time has come to stop misleading people and work for the welfare of citizens,” Sinha added.

The L-G reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that Jammu and Kashmir would regain statehood “at an appropriate time”.

Reacting sharply, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah accused the Raj Bhavan of obstructing governance and blamed it for recent security incidents under the Union Territory administration. Without naming Sinha, Omar referred to the April 22 Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed.

“Our handicrafts weren’t sold, our taxis and houseboats were empty because of the Pahalgam attack. Who is responsible for security here? Not me. If it were in my hands, such incidents would never have happened,” Omar said while inaugurating a bridge in Srinagar whose foundation was laid in 2011.

Omar said despite obstacles placed in the present UT set-up, his government was working on development projects. “We know how to work. You do your work, and we’ll do ours. But at least honour the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the Supreme Court and the Parliament,” he said.

“Why are they afraid of restoring statehood? Why don’t they want to give up power?” he asked. “We are told that it will be restored at the appropriate time. Alright, I will wait, but tell me what the scale is to assess the right time. How do we measure the appropriate time?” he added.

Abdullah said the terms and conditions for restoration should be made clear so that his government would know what they ought to do for it. “As a CM, I should know that this is the milestone or goal we have to reach where J&K will get its statehood. We should at least come to know that this is the target,” he said.

The Chief Minister accused the administration of neglecting the elected government, noting that senior officials avoided attending official events. “When the foundation stone of this bridge was laid in 2011, senior officers including the DC, Divisional Commissioner, and SSP were present. Today, at the inauguration, not one officer was here,” he said. “Despite repeated obstacles, we are doing our job,” he added.

National Conference President Farooq Abdullah also hit out at the L-G, accusing him of misleading the public. “He (Sinha) has total control over IAS and IPS officers. Not a single file sent to him has ever been returned. He is lying and lies every day,” Farooq said while speaking to journalists in Srinagar.