Srinagar, Sep 16: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged political leaders from Ladakh and Kargil to demand written and signed commitments from the central government, cautioning them against relying solely on verbal assurances.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Abdullah, drawing from his own political experiences, advised the leaders of the union territory to ensure all promises made by the Centre are formally documented.
Abdullah, addressing the concerns of Ladakh which he acknowledged as distinct from those of Jammu and Kashmir, stated, “Now, Ladakh has its own issues. Our issues are different. But I can only advise the leaders of Ladakh, as a friend and elder brother: please do not believe any promise made by the central government unless it is given to you in writing and signed.”
He elaborated on this point by referencing past assurances given to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the restoration of its statehood. “We were also given a verbal promise that immediately after the elections, statehood would be restored. It has now been almost two years, and that promise is nowhere to be seen,” Abdullah said, highlighting the consequences of unwritten agreements.
His remarks come at a time when Ladakh’s leadership is actively pressing the central government for enhanced political safeguards and constitutional protections, including discussions on statehood and adequate representation for the region. The union territory, which was carved out of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, has seen persistent demands for greater autonomy and recognition.
Abdullah directly appealed to the political representatives of Ladakh and Kargil, emphasizing the importance of tangible proof for any commitments made by the central authorities. “To the leaders of Ladakh and Kargil, my folded-hands request would be: please do not believe verbal promises made by the central government,” he reiterated.
He stressed that without formal documentation, such as an affidavit, the aspirations of the people of Ladakh might remain unfulfilled. “Unless you get something in writing, in the form of an affidavit, I do not think the people of Ladakh will be able to achieve anything,” Abdullah added, underscoring his belief in the necessity of legal and written guarantees.
The former Chief Minister concluded by stating that the ultimate outcome for the people of Ladakh would be determined by their ability to secure concrete agreements through the ongoing political processes. “The rest, whatever is in their destiny, they will get,” he remarked, suggesting that the future hinges on proactive and well-documented advocacy by the region’s leadership.
❤️ 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
