Srinagar, July 27: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday termed the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as “long overdue,” asserting that the credit for the development belongs entirely to the students who spearheaded the nationwide NEET protest and remained steadfast in their demand for justice and accountability.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said the resignation should have come much earlier, noting that the issue had dragged on for weeks. He remarked that although the decision was delayed, it was ultimately a case of “better late than never.”
The Chief Minister categorically stated that neither political parties nor individuals should claim credit for the resignation, emphasizing that the students alone deserved recognition for their unwavering determination and peaceful democratic movement.
“The entire credit goes to the students. They remained united, continued their peaceful protest, and refused to back down until their voices were heard,” Omar Abdullah said.
Commenting on the prevailing security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister also voiced concern over the reported detention of nearly 2,500 to 3,000 people, saying that such large-scale detentions cannot provide a permanent solution to militancy.
He said mass detentions have a ripple effect on society, impacting thousands of family members and creating a sense of alienation among the people.
“If around 3,000 individuals are detained, it directly affects nearly 15,000 members of their families. Such actions may deepen alienation instead of strengthening trust between the people and the administration,” he observed.
Omar Abdullah maintained that while security measures may yield temporary results, enduring peace cannot be achieved without the confidence and cooperation of the people.
He underscored that the ultimate victory against militancy in Jammu and Kashmir depends on building public trust, promoting confidence-building measures, and ensuring that the people remain active partners in the peace process. (KNC)
