Omar Abdullah reiterates demand for early restoration of statehood

Srinagar, Oct 18: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday reiterated his call for the early restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, saying that the delay in empowering the elected government was “unfair to the people” and contrary to the assurances made in Parliament and the Supreme Court.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar after the completion of one year of his government, Omar said the interaction was being held by the National Conference and not the Information Department due to restrictions imposed by the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming by-elections in Budgam and Nagrota. “Traditionally, such interactions are held to present a report card of the government, but because of the by-polls, there is no permission to hold an official press conference. Still, I did not want you to feel that we are avoiding meeting the media,” he said.

Responding to questions, Omar said that the National Conference was still finalising its candidate for the Budgam by-election. “The discussions are ongoing within the party. In the next 24 to 48 hours, we will announce our candidate, who will file nomination papers soon,” he said.

He confirmed that the party had formally approached the Congress to contest from Nagrota. “If the Congress wants to fight that seat, we are ready to leave it for them. We have an alliance with the Congress and want to strengthen them in Jammu. Not only will we leave the seat, but we will work to ensure their success,” Omar added.

When asked about the ongoing Supreme Court hearing on the restoration of statehood, Omar said it was time the Union Government fulfilled its commitment. “Statehood was promised as part of a three-step process — delimitation, elections, and restoration. Two steps are complete, and the third must follow. To link statehood with anything else, such as militancy or law and order, is unfair. Those involved in the recent incidents were not from Jammu and Kashmir, so penalising our people makes no sense,” he said.

On being asked whether he planned to become a legal party to the ongoing case related to statehood, Omar said the matter was under consideration. “I have discussed this with senior lawyers in J&K and Delhi. I am perhaps the only person who has been both Chief Minister of a state and of a Union Territory, so I understand the disadvantages we face. Based on legal advice, I may become a party to the case,” he said.

Asked about criticism regarding smart meters, Omar clarified that metering was essential to deliver the 200 units of free electricity promised by his government. “There is a misconception that smart meters raise bills. In many areas, bills have actually come down. Without meters, we cannot measure the 200 units we want to subsidize. Our aim is better electricity supply at lower cost,” he said.

The Chief Minister dismissed suggestions that the National Conference was ignoring Srinagar in ministerial appointments. “The limited size of the cabinet in a Union Territory restricts representation, but being a minister is not the only way to serve people. Every minister in this government works for all of Jammu and Kashmir, not just their constituency,” he said, adding that the possibility of expanding the cabinet after the Rajya Sabha elections was being considered.

On allegations by opposition leaders that he was using government resources for political ends, Omar said such accusations were baseless. “Our first Assembly session passed a resolution seeking restoration of constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir. The first Cabinet resolution too was on statehood, which I personally handed over to the Prime Minister. Those who accuse us should first remember how they betrayed the people in 2014 by joining hands with the BJP despite seeking votes to keep them out,” he remarked.

When asked whether the BJP’s return to power in J&K was a precondition for restoring statehood, Omar said such a claim would be dishonest. “The BJP never said that statehood depends on them ruling J&K. If that’s the deal, they should be upfront about it. As far as the National Conference is concerned, there is no question of tying up with the BJP again. The PDP-BJP alliance of 2015 devastated this region; I will not repeat those mistakes,” he said.

On tourism, Omar expressed concern over declining footfall after the Pahalgam attack and said the government was making every effort to revive the sector. “We have sent delegations abroad to Singapore and will soon send teams to London and Berlin. Domestically, our ministers are promoting J&K as a safe destination. But we also need the central government’s cooperation to reopen closed areas. Places like Doodhpathri, Drang, and parts of Gulmarg are still off-limits to tourists due to security restrictions. Even at the peak of militancy, these areas remained open. It’s time to reopen them,” he said.

Asked about the NC’s ongoing signature campaign, Omar said the party was prepared to take it further if necessary. “We are ready, and if the time comes to use that preparation, we will. For now, we are waiting and watching,” he said.

Omar concluded by reiterating his government’s commitment to fulfilling its five-year manifesto. “It’s not a six-month or one-year manifesto. We have started work in several areas and will continue to deliver on our promises,” he said.