Ganderbal, Sept 29,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed that the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a fundamental right of its people and urged New Delhi not to test their patience any longer. Speaking to reporters in Ganderbal, Abdullah cautioned against letting the situation slide into turmoil similar to the unrest that has gripped Ladakh.
“The situation here can change in a jiffy, but we do not want it to reach the level we are witnessing in Ladakh. Statehood is our right. The people of Ladakh had demanded Union Territory status, yet it did not improve their lives. We do not want innocents to suffer here,” Abdullah said, stressing that his party would continue to pursue the issue peacefully.
The Chief Minister reminded that the Government of India has already committed itself to restoring statehood and even conveyed the assurance before the Supreme Court. “The processes of delimitation and elections are complete. What lies ahead is the restoration of statehood. People have shown remarkable patience so far, but now it is time for the promise to be fulfilled,” he noted.
Reflecting on Ladakh’s experience, Omar Abdullah as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust said his party had warned that the demand for Union Territory status could have unintended consequences. “We always told the people of Ladakh that what they were demanding might prove costly to them. Sadly, their lives have not improved under the new arrangement,” he remarked.
His comments come amid a fresh wave of debate in Jammu and Kashmir’s political circles about when the Centre will announce concrete steps towards restoring full statehood. Opposition leaders and civil society groups have repeatedly called for an immediate timeline, arguing that prolonged central rule has eroded accountability and left people feeling disempowered.
Abdullah closed his interaction by reiterating his call for restraint and constitutional engagement. “We will take up the issue in a peaceful manner. Our demand is just and lawful, and it must be honoured,” he said. [KNT]
