Hoping for more powers, CM Omar turns up volume on statehood demand

Srinagar, Oct 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday renewed his call for early restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that the move was essential for empowering the elected government and honouring the assurances made to the people during last year’s Assembly elections.

Talking to reporters in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district after reviewing ongoing developmental works, CM Omar said, “We are hoping for more powers, and that is why we are stressing on the restoration of statehood. It was a promise made to the people of J&K from the floor of Parliament and reiterated by the Supreme Court, and that promise should be fulfilled.”

He said the National Conference (NC)-led government would continue pressing for the restoration of full statehood.

“Only the Centre and the BJP can explain why J&K continues to remain without statehood. But we will not stop trying,” the CM said.

He said that the administration was working to ensure visible improvements on the ground in all sectors, including power, water, health, and infrastructure.

About People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti’s reported offer of conditional support in the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, linking to the government’s backing for her party MLAs' private member bills, CM Omar said that decisions on such bills rest solely with the Speaker.

“My government will not become a hurdle in the way of any such bill that benefits the people. But neither I nor any other member of the assembly can dictate to the Speaker which bill to bring and which not to. There is a procedure. Whichever bill is good for the public, we will support it,” he said.

The CM also revealed that NC leader Tanvir Sadiq had introduced a Private Member’s Bill seeking to rectify the 2021 amendment to the Land Grants Act.

“I don’t know whether Tanvir’s bill will come up in the House or not, but if it does, my government will not stand in its way,” he said. “Due process must be respected.”

CM Omar confirmed that his government had fulfilled another long-standing promise by reviving the century-old biannual practice of the Darbar Move between Srinagar and Jammu, discontinued after 2021.

“Reviving the Darbar Move was a promise to the people. When the cabinet met about three weeks back, the decision was taken and sent to the Lieutenant Governor. Once the LG approved it, we issued the order. After four years, Srinagar and Jammu are once again connected through the Darbar Move,” he said.

The CM said that even within the present Union Territory setup, his government was committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people.

“I have been saying from day one that even under the UT, we will deliver as many promises as we can,” he said.

CM Omar said that the Cabinet Sub-Committee tasked with reviewing the reservation system in J&K had submitted its report, which was subsequently approved by the cabinet.

“Now the department will prepare a cabinet memo, which will be approved through circulation and then sent to the LG. This was one of our major commitments to the people,” he said.

The CM also said that the government would examine all legitimate demands regarding equitable representation and reservation once the Chief Secretary’s committee finalises its recommendations.

On whether the government planned any measures to compensate the recent losses suffered by fruit growers and farmers, he said discussions were underway with the Centre for a special financial package.

“There is no need for an Assembly session for that. Wherever crops have suffered losses, in horticulture or agriculture, the assessment has been completed. We are in touch with the Centre for a package similar to those extended to other states,” CM Omar said.

He also appreciated the Kulgam district administration for its effective response during the recent floods, saying the government had already begun work on permanent restoration of damaged infrastructure.

About expectations from the upcoming Assembly session, the CM said his government would focus on governance issues rather than political maneuvering.

He said the issue of revoking FIRs filed during the COVID-19 pandemic would be addressed once full law and order powers were restored to the elected government.

“Police and law and order are not yet with us. Once we get those powers, we will certainly fulfill those promises as well,” CM Omar said.

He said that discussions with the Congress were progressing positively regarding seat adjustments for the forthcoming by-elections.

“We have told Congress that if they wish to field their own candidate, we are ready to support them in Nagrota. Congress has sought permission from its high command, and if approved, we will back their candidate wholeheartedly,” the CM said.

During his later interaction with reporters in Anantnag, he reiterated that his government had put forward a five-year plan for development and accountability.

“We have made many promises, and I have said from the first day that you cannot judge us in a week, a month, or even a year. We have a five-year agenda, and after that, we will present our account to the people, and they will decide,” CM Omar said.