SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reiterated that the Jammu and Kashmir government’s strategy to press for the restoration of full statehood remains firmly on course, underlining that there has been no deviation from the roadmap outlined earlier.
He said that leaders and legislators of the National Conference (NC) are preparing to travel to New Delhi during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where they intend to renew their appeal and remind the Union government of its repeated assurances on the issue. Emphasising the moral and political weight of these commitments, Abdullah noted that promises made before the Supreme Court, in Parliament, and in public forums must be honoured in both letter and spirit. He added that the party would also stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar to register its position and amplify the voice of the people of J&K.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event here, the Chief Minister highlighted that the demand for statehood is not merely a political stance but a reflection of widespread public sentiment. He pointed out that restoring statehood would address concerns about governance and accountability, which, according to his party, have become more pronounced under the current administrative framework. In this context, he referred to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as constructive and wide-ranging. The discussions, he said, covered critical issues including the restoration of statehood, the financial health of J&K, and the need to accelerate ongoing and proposed development projects. Abdullah expressed optimism that these deliberations would translate into tangible benefits for the people, particularly in terms of economic stability and improved infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also recalled that he had extended an invitation to opposition leaders during a recent INDIA bloc meeting to join the proposed rally in Delhi, signalling an effort to build broader political consensus around the demand for statehood. This outreach comes at a time when the NC has faced criticism from opposition parties over its performance. However, party legislators, senior functionaries, and core supporters argue that such criticism only reinforces the urgency of restoring full statehood. They contend that the absence of an elected state government with full powers has blurred lines of accountability, making it difficult to assign responsibility for administrative decisions. According to them, reinstating statehood would re-establish a clearer governance structure, strengthen democratic oversight, and enable quicker, more effective responses to public concerns. They also believe that such a move would help rebuild public trust, which they say has eroded under the current arrangement.
Addressing another key issue, Abdullah provided an update on the reservation policy, stating that the proposal is currently awaiting Cabinet approval following queries raised by the Centre. He explained that the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report had already been approved and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, who subsequently referred it to the Centre for further examination. After the Centre sought clarifications, the government prepared detailed responses, which are now set to be placed before the Cabinet for final clearance. He indicated that a meeting would be convened shortly to take this forward, signalling progress on a matter that has significant social and political implications.
On the administrative front, the Chief Minister said that preparations for Muharram have been underway for over a month, with authorities closely monitoring arrangements to ensure that observances proceed smoothly and without disruption. He stressed the importance of maintaining coordination among various departments to facilitate the peaceful conduct of religious events.
Looking ahead to the annual Amarnath Yatra, Abdullah extended a warm welcome to pilgrims from across the country and expressed hope that the pilgrimage would be conducted in a safe and peaceful manner. He underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place so that devotees can undertake the journey with confidence and ease.
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