Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday renewed his demand for the restoration of statehood, saying the promises made to the people must be fulfilled.
Speaking to reporters during the 42nd Foundation Day celebration of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Science (SKIMS) in Srinagar, Abdullah highlighted the strong voter turnout in recent elections.
“The people of J&K participated in large numbers in the elections, showing their commitment to democracy. That commitment must be honoured,” he said.
Acknowledging the busy schedule of national leaders, he said, “The prime minister and the home minister were understandably occupied with elections in Maharashtra and elsewhere’’.
He said now they talk to them again and expect them to fulfil their commitment to the people of J&K and restore its statehood without delay.
About declaring a holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah, he linked it to the broader issue of statehood.
“We have a significant battle ahead—to ensure Jammu and Kashmir regains its status as a state,’’ he said. This is not just about us but about the promises made by the prime minister to the people of J&K during parliamentary and assembly elections.”
He said the people participated in those elections with full enthusiasm, hoping their trust would be honoured.
Addressing the ongoing surveys in mosques and shrines across the country, he stressed upholding India’s secular values.
“Our Constitution guarantees the right to live freely, irrespective of one’s religion or even if one chooses not to follow any religion,’’ he said. “This fundamental principle of secularism must be upheld.”
Abdullah said there seems to be a systematic effort to target mosques and religious institutions. “This is unacceptable,” he said. “We are not asking for appeasement, but not seeking appeasement doesn’t mean we should be targeted.”
He further said that communities shouldn’t be victimised under the guise of opposing appeasement. “Jammu and Kashmir has always been integral to India’s foundation, and its secular ethos must be preserved,” he added.
