Ruhullah urges Omar to lead J-K's statehood, Article 370 fight or risk 'Delhi’s representative' tag

Srinagar, Jan 08: Member of Parliament from central Kashmir’s Srinagar Lok Sabha segment, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, said today that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah risks being seen as ‘New Delhi’s representative’ unless he leads the struggle for the restoration of Article 370 and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The senior NC leader, who has been facing criticism from his party colleagues over his participation in a protest outside the CM’s residence, made these remarks while speaking to The Wire.

“The NC has received a different mandate this time compared to the past. It comes after the abrogation of Article 370. Today, the assembly is constituted with this mandate. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have taken the democratic route once again, so this mandate is more than just normal. It is a political message and a political disapproval of the decisions taken after August 05, 2019,” said Ruhullah.

“I believe this mandate carries a huge responsibility, and one has to be very careful in addressing the aspirations of the people. Mr. Omar Abdullah has to be extremely cautious and careful in handling this mandate. Additionally, the Government of India (GoI) must respect the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” MP Ruhullah said.

Replying to a query, he warned that ignoring the mandate and aspirations of the people of J&K would be disastrous, not just for Kashmir but for the entire concept of India in Jammu and Kashmir.

He further expressed concern that Kashmiris are not just disappointed but also worried about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “Mr. Omar Abdullah should not distance himself from the people of Jammu and Kashmir or from the mandate that the National Conference (NC) secured in October 2024,” he stated.

Ruhullah cautioned that Omar Abdullah risks being seen by Kashmiris as “Delhi’s representative.” Instead, he urged the Chief Minister to be “resilient,” “express the dissent of the people,” and lead what he called their “rebellion” in demanding their right to statehood and the return of Article 370.

When asked about the response Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had received from the Prime Minister and the Home Minister after his efforts to engage with the Modi government, Ruhullah described it as “disrespectful.”

He stated that the Modi government appears to “turn a deaf ear” to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He also expressed concern over the delay in granting statehood, which the government had assured the Supreme Court it would restore. “The delay is very worrying,” he said, adding that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are “more committed than ever” to the restoration of Article 370.