Er Rashid criticises NC over statehood resolution

Srinagar, Oct 18:: Baramulla MP Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, expressed his disappointment on Friday regarding reports that the Jammu and Kashmir Government led by Omar Abdullah had passed a resolution seeking the restoration of statehood alone, without addressing Article 370.

Rashid called the move a “painful departure” from the National Conference’s (NC) core stand.

The controversy arose after reports claimed that the Union Territory state cabinet had approved a resolution urging the Central Government to restore statehood. The reports have also mentioned that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah would be traveling to Delhi to personally deliver the draft resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, no official confirmation or denial of the report has been made.

In a press conference, Er Rashid said that the NC had contested elections on the promise of restoring both Articles 370 and 35A, along with statehood. “If only statehood is being sought, it is very painful and a clear departure from the core principles of the NC,” he said, warning that Abdullah’s actions indicated a possible alignment with the BJP.

“The Prime Minister and Home Minister have already promised statehood restoration multiple times. Why is Omar Abdullah pushing for something the BJP is already willing to grant? It suggests he’s avoiding discussions on Articles 370 and 35A, which is misleading the public,” Rashid argued.

Rashid, who leads the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP), went further to suggest that a covert understanding might exist between the NC and the BJP. “They are playing hide-and-seek, while the statehood restoration is mandated by the Supreme Court,” he added.

Drawing historical parallels, the north Kashmir MP compared Omar Abdullah’s alleged retreat on Article 370 to the actions of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who transitioned from being the Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to its Chief Minister.

AIP chief also took a jab at Omar Abdullah for reportedly changing his attire three times during his swearing-in ceremony day, suggesting that it reflected a lack of seriousness about the J&K’s critical issues.

“I am not attacking him on this. This is his personal thing and he is at a liberty to do what he wants. But, since he is a chief minister, we have to observe these things,” he said.

“The NC government requires the Centre’s support on administrative and developmental fronts, but that does not mean Omar Abdullah should abandon his political commitments,” Rashid said. He also questioned whether he (Omar Abdullah) intended to deepen his relationship with Modi and the BJP at the expense of Kashmir’s political struggle.

Rashid called on the government to restore the Darbar Move, the centuries-old practice of shifting the state’s capital between Jammu in winter and Srinagar in summer. “The Darbar Move symbolizes the bond between the two regions. Abdullah must clarify which city will be considered the capital under his administration—Srinagar or Jammu?,” he said.