J&K Govt Committed to Restoration of Statehood, Constitutional Guarantees: Omar Abdullah
Will Take Jammu & Kashmir to New Heights, Fulfil Dreams of Those Who Sacrificed for Its Future: CM
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 15: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday hoisted the National Flag at the 80th Independence Day function at Bakhshi Stadium, Srinagar, and took the salute at an impressive ceremonial parade and march-past.
Beginning his address with the patriotic verse, “Sare Jahan Se Achha, Hindustan Hamara; Hum Bulbulein Hain Iski, Yeh Gulistan Hamara,” the Chief Minister said the words beautifully reflected the love, pride and emotional bond that people share with the country.
He described Independence Day as a day of joy, remembrance and gratitude, while paying homage to all those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the nation. He also stressed the need to build an India marked by greater progress, peace, brotherhood and happiness.
Omar Abdullah reiterated that his government remains firmly committed to building a stronger, more prosperous and developed Jammu & Kashmir while continuing its efforts for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees for the people of J&K.
Addressing the gathering, he said the government would continue to represent, serve and work for the people and strive to fulfil the dreams of those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and future of Jammu & Kashmir.
“We will continue to represent you. We will continue to serve you. We will continue to do our work to bring Jammu and Kashmir to that level,” the Chief Minister said.
He asserted that the government would continue to fight for restoration of the constitutional guarantees of Jammu & Kashmir, regain statehood and usher in a new era of progress and development.
“Whether it is to bring Jammu & Kashmir to that level again, whether it is to restore the constitutional guarantees of Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is to regain the special status of Jammu & Kashmir, or whether it is to start a new era of progress in J&K, your government is not only a promise for all these things, but your government will make it a reality,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the government’s ultimate objective was to ensure that every young person, including those living in villages, could see a ray of hope and feel that Jammu & Kashmir was moving away from uncertainty towards a better and brighter future.
He emphasized that development, prosperity and employment opportunities cannot be achieved through words alone, asserting that the real test of governance lies in translating commitments into concrete action.
Democracy and Federalism Are India’s Strengths
Reflecting on the eight decades since Independence, Omar Abdullah said the occasion was not merely one of celebration but also of remembrance, gratitude and introspection.
He underlined that democracy and federalism are among the biggest strengths of India, stressing the need to preserve, strengthen and deepen both.
“Our country is a Union of States,” he said, asserting that strengthening federalism requires strengthening the States and respecting their constitutional powers and responsibilities.
The Chief Minister said that erosion of the powers of States or interference by central agencies in areas falling within the States’ domain weakens the federal structure.
Referring to education and health, he said States have traditionally played an important role in these sectors. While national-level examinations for national institutions were legitimate, he stressed that State institutions should retain the right to conduct their own examinations and admissions.
He also emphasized the importance of restoring public confidence in recruitment and admission processes, noting that while trust can be lost within moments, rebuilding it requires years of sustained effort.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, whether it is admission, recruitment or any other process, it should be transparent, merit-based and fair, so that those who genuinely deserve a job or a seat get their rightful opportunity,” he said.
Tribute to J&K Martyrs Who Defended the Region
The Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country and recalled the contribution of the people of Jammu & Kashmir who fought against tribal raiders and infiltrators in 1947, even before the Indian Army reached the region.
Remembering late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, whom he described as the tallest leader of Jammu & Kashmir and “Baba-e-Qaum,” Omar Abdullah said the contribution of the people of J&K in defending the region could never be forgotten.
Referring to the prevailing situation across the Line of Control, he said the circumstances there reinforced his belief that the decision taken by the leaders of Jammu & Kashmir eight decades ago was the right one.
He recalled the courage of those who raised the call, “Hamlavar Khabardar; Hum Kashmiri Hain, Tayyaar,” and those who made the supreme sacrifice while resisting the tribal invasion.
The Chief Minister particularly remembered Master Abdul Aziz, a National Conference leader who was killed in Muzaffarabad while resisting the tribal attack.
‘People Across LoC Are Our Own’
Referring to the part of Jammu & Kashmir under Pakistan’s occupation, Omar Abdullah said the people living there were not strangers but part of the same land and people of Jammu & Kashmir.
“We consider those people as our own, not strangers,” he said, adding that the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly continues to keep seats vacant for them in the hope that one day the people from that part of J&K would be able to occupy those seats.
He said the sacrifices made by the people of Jammu & Kashmir eight decades ago continue to remain relevant and that their aspirations must be honoured through peace, development, democracy and justice.
Government, Opposition and Media Have Their Roles
Calling for continuous engagement between the government and the people, the Chief Minister said meaningful governance was possible only when the government remained connected with the aspirations and expectations of the people.
He said the government had the responsibility to work, while the Opposition had the responsibility to question the government and hold it accountable both inside and outside the Legislative Assembly.
He also highlighted the important role of the media in questioning both the government and the Opposition.
Omar Abdullah said his government had been working for nearly two years for the betterment, development and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir.
“This government is your government. It is working for you. It is working for the betterment and development of Jammu and Kashmir. It is working for the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
CM Skips Reading Official Achievement List
The Chief Minister chose not to read out the official speech and the list of achievements of his government, saying that it should be deemed to have been read.
Concluding his address, Omar Abdullah congratulated the people on Independence Day and expressed hope that the next 80 years of the country would be even more magnificent than the previous eight decades, marked by greater progress, brotherhood, peace and happiness.
“Jai Hind. Jai Jammu Kashmir,” he said.
Impressive Parade, Cultural Performances Mark Celebrations
Earlier, the Chief Minister inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive march-past by contingents comprising the Jammu & Kashmir Police, security forces and school students.
Brass and Pipe Bands of the J&K Police and school students also participated in the parade.
Several colourful cultural programmes showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir were presented on the occasion, drawing applause from the Chief Guest and the gathering.
The function was attended by former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, several Members of the Legislative Assembly, senior officers of the J&K civil and police administration, and a large gathering of people.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister presented awards to outstanding officers and employees in recognition of their contribution to public service.
He also distributed prizes among students, police and paramilitary personnel, members of the J&K Sports Council and artists from the Cultural Academy for their performances, which were evaluated by a jury present at the venue.(KNC)
