Jammu, October 17 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Thursday that most of the region’s problems would be resolved with the restoration of statehood, marking the first anniversary of the National Conference-led government in the Union Territory.
Abdullah addressed media persons in Jammu, emphasizing a three-step roadmap provided by the central government: delimitation, elections, and statehood. “I appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill the promise made to the people of J&K in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. Most of J&K’s problems will be resolved with Statehood status,” he said, according to details received by The Chenab Times.
The chief minister ruled out any alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party to achieve statehood restoration. “If Statehood is not restored because the BJP is not in power in J&K, then we have to do without Statehood for the next four years,” he added.
Abdullah defended the government’s progress on manifesto promises, noting a focus on daily wagers’ issues. “My government should be judged at the end of the term. We have been addressing the issues of people since we took over. The issue of daily wagers remains a top priority.”
He announced the cabinet’s approval for resuming the Darbar Move, the annual shift of offices between Srinagar and Jammu, discontinued in 2021. “The Cabinet has already cleared the proposal for the Darbar Move. The file was forwarded to Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, who has given approval. The practice will resume shortly.”
On the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, Abdullah said National Conference president Farooq Abdullah contacted the Peoples Democratic Party, which holds three assembly seats, for support against the BJP. “Dr. Abdullah sought the PDP’s support to fight against BJP in the RS elections. If the vote is not cast in our favour, then it will benefit the BJP and abstaining from it is also akin to supporting BJP,” he stated. He criticized Peoples Conference MLA Sajad Lone for abstaining.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti responded that her party would extend support if opposition-introduced bills are passed. “The PDP has introduced several important Bills in both previous and current Assembly sessions. Pass our Bills and we will extend support in the Rajya Sabha elections. These include proposals to regularise poor families that have lived on small plots of land for over 30 years, and daily wage workers who have served for 20–25 years in several departments,” she said.
Mufti accused the NC-led government of maintaining silence on critical political matters after one year in power. “The silence on crucial political issues is troubling. One year into NC’s tenure, the ground reality is far from what was expected. Despite the rhetoric of change and justice during the election campaign, the decisions perceived as anti-people and abnormal have not only persisted but have been normalised,” she added. She cited ongoing dismissals of government employees, random arrests, and closures of Jamaat-e-Islami schools as unchanged issues.
❤️ Support Independent Journalism
Your contribution keeps our reporting free, fearless, and accessible to everyone.
Or make a one-time donation
Secure via Razorpay • 12 monthly payments • Cancel anytime before next cycle
(We don't allow anyone to copy content. For Copyright or Use of Content related questions, visit here.)
The Chenab Times News Desk
