Authority to restore J&K’s statehood lies with PM, Home Minister: CM

Anantnag, Jul 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the authority to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood lies exclusively with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and they will take call at an appropriate time.
Talking to reporters at Halmula here in South Kashmir CM Omar said, “The authority to restore statehood rests with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. They will take the decision whenever they deem appropriate, and that is why our protest was held in Delhi,”
He said the opposition in Jammu and Kashmir has no role in the decision-making process, adding that this was the reason the National Conference chose to hold its protest in the National Capital instead of targeting the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Assembly.
Responding to remarks made by LoP Sunil Sharma in the Assembly, CM Omar said statehood would eventually be restored and maintained that the decision would come directly from the country’s top leadership.
He added that the party would continue its campaign until Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood.
The Chief Minister also criticised the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the recent controversy involving party president Mehbooba Mufti, saying, “She should tender an apology instead of attempting to shift the focus.”
He said anyone can commit mistakes, but leaders should have the courage to acknowledge and correct them.
CM Omar alleged that the PDP initially attempted to dismiss the issue by claiming that the controversial content was generated through artificial intelligence, but later resorted to attacking the National Conference instead of offering an explanation.
He said either Mehbooba Mufti herself or PDP leader Waheed Para should apologise if the former chose not to do so.
The Chief Minister said that although Mehbooba Mufti had been invited to join the National Conference’s protest in Delhi over the statehood issue, she chose not to participate. He claimed that had she joined the protest in support of the restoration of statehood, the controversy surrounding her remarks could have been avoided.
Commenting on the proposed Vande Mataram Bill, CM Omar said the legislation would be debated in the Assembly before any decision is taken.
He observed that Vande Mataram already enjoys a respected place in the country and said the House would discuss the provisions of the proposed legislation before it is considered for implementation.
CM Omar said the democratic process would determine the fate of the Bill after discussion in the legislature. (KNO)