Promise to PM Modi to restore statehood of Jammu and Kashmir: Omar Abdullah’s statement

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said in an important statement on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. He clarified that this process should be completed not through courts but by giving primary opportunity. In his first press conference as Chief Minister, he talked about giving PM Modi a chance to take the first step on this issue.

Statehood Restoration: Priority and Approach

Omar Abdullah said that restoring statehood is the biggest priority of his government.

• Court Last Option:
  He said, “Every government has the option to resort to court, but it is not our first priority.”
  • Going to court should be the last option, not a fight.
  • If the Court had not commented on the restoration of statehood and the PM and the Home Minister had not made the promise, we would have had to approach the courts.
• Trust in promises:
  Omar said, “The Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister have made promises. We should give them a chance first.”

Changes in the form of the state and administrative experience

The Chief Minister said that there is a big difference between running a government in the form of a Union Territory and running a state government.

• Administrative changes:
  He said that within two months his government spent significant time in understanding the administrative structure.
  • He said, “It took us time to understand how the Union Territory government works.”
• Issue of restoration of statehood:
  Omar said that the Supreme Court had also said that statehood should be restored soon. He appealed to implement it as soon as possible.

Situation clear on central government and rumors

The Chief Minister rejected speculations that the Central Government was trying to destabilize his government.

• National Conference and NDA:
  Omar made it clear that his party will not join the BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance).
  • He said, “The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have assured that our government will not be destabilized.”
  • He also said that he would get the same support as the Lieutenant Governor used to get.
• Reaction to rumours:
  He said, “I have nothing to say to those who are spreading rumors that I will join the NDA.”

Political manifesto and aspirations of the people

The NC leader stressed that his party’s manifesto is for a tenure of five years and not for a few months.

• Statehood and special status:
  He said that his government is working on these issues and respecting the sentiments of the people is his priority.
• People’s aspirations:
  Omar said, “People’s sentiments should be respected and their aspirations should be fulfilled.”