NEW DELHI, AUG 8: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed strong disappointment over the continued delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the issue has caused growing anger and frustration among people and has cost him a “huge amount of political capital.
In an interview with journalist Karan Thapar for The Wire, Abdullah said he had placed considerable political credibility at stake by adopting a constructive approach towards the Union Government in the expectation that statehood would be restored.
“I put a huge amount of my own political credibility at stake for this. I know for a fact that I’ve eroded a large part of it,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister said he would continue to face the political consequences despite believing that the delay was beyond his control.
“I will pay the price for sins that are not mine, and again, I will carry that cross because it’s mine to bear,” he said.
‘Statehood Timeline Has Become a Moving Target’
Abdullah criticised the Centre for repeatedly stating that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time”, saying the absence of a definite timeline had created uncertainty.
Drawing an analogy with a marathon, he said that whenever the government appears to be nearing the finishing line, the target seems to move further away.
He urged the Union Government to establish clear and measurable parameters for restoration of statehood so that the elected government knows exactly what needs to be achieved.
Rejects Linking Statehood With End of Terrorism
Abdullah also rejected any attempt to link restoration of statehood with the complete elimination of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
He argued that the elected government does not control the security apparatus or the anti-terror operations in the Union Territory and therefore should not be held responsible for matters outside its jurisdiction.
According to Abdullah, making the eradication of terrorism a precondition for statehood could effectively leave the decision dependent on factors beyond the control of the elected government.
Calls UT With Assembly ‘An Abomination’
The Chief Minister strongly criticised the existing arrangement of a Union Territory with a Legislative Assembly, describing it as an unsuitable governance structure.
He pointed out that several important institutions and administrative matters remain outside the effective control of the elected government and under the authority of the Lieutenant Governor.
Abdullah referred to institutions including the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) while highlighting what he described as limitations on the powers of the elected government.
He also said the Cabinet does not have complete authority to choose its administrative secretaries or appoint an Advocate General, which, he argued, demonstrates the restrictions imposed by the present constitutional arrangement.
‘Statehood Necessary Before Article 370’
Responding to criticism that his government had diluted its position on Article 370, Abdullah said restoration of statehood was an important prerequisite for addressing the constitutional distribution of powers between the Union and the State.
He argued that Article 370 concerned the division of powers between the Union and the State and questioned how the State List could function when Jammu and Kashmir itself no longer has statehood.
‘Modi Ka Wada’ on Restoration of Statehood
Abdullah also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to restore statehood, recalling assurances made during the Prime Minister’s visits to Jammu and Kashmir.
He referred to the commitment as “Modi Ka Wada”, saying the promise carried significant political importance.
The Chief Minister said the prolonged delay had contributed to growing disappointment among the people of Jammu and Kashmir and raised questions about the Union Government’s commitment to its assurances.
Will Continue Campaign for Statehood
Abdullah said his government and party would continue to pursue the restoration of statehood through political dialogue as well as public programmes, including protests and demonstrations.
He maintained that statehood remains a major public demand and urged the Centre to fulfil commitments made to Parliament, the judiciary and the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The remarks come amid continued political pressure from the elected government and political parties in Jammu and Kashmir for the early restoration of full statehood, with the issue remaining one of the key political demands in the Union Territory.(KNC)
