Says statehood is prerequisite for constitutional guarantees, accuses opposition of weakening people’s cause by staying away from movement; Article 370 has no meaning without 1, vows NC’s agitation will continue until Centre fulfils its commitment; Urges all political parties to unite for restoration of statehood, NC’s campaign is only the beginning; Slams opposition for “ridiculing” statehood movement, says constitutional guarantees can only follow restoration of statehood
Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, July 21 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday asserted that restoration of statehood remains the National Conference’s foremost priority, declaring that only after statehood is restored can discussions on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional guarantees and special status meaningfully proceed. He also announced a fresh inquiry into the Srinagar Smart City project and assured compensation to affected families as per applicable norms.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, CM Omar Abdullah, as per news agency JKNS, said the Centre must honour the assurances made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding restoration of statehood, adding that the National Conference would continue its political struggle until the promise is fulfilled.
He said the press conference was organised by the National Conference and not by the government, adding that the party leadership wanted to directly address the people through the media regarding its ongoing campaign for restoration of statehood.
Omar said the National Conference’s recent programme in New Delhi was aimed solely at reminding the Centre of its commitment on statehood and was not confined to any political party or organisation.
“We invited all political parties because this is not an issue of any single party or government. It concerns the entire people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Taking a swipe at opposition parties, the Chief Minister alleged that instead of supporting the campaign, some political groups attempted to ridicule and weaken the movement.
“I am not disappointed by the attitude of the Central Government as much as I am saddened by those who claim to be sympathisers of Jammu and Kashmir but choose to remain silent at crucial moments,” he said.
Referring to repeated criticism from political opponents over Article 370, Omar said the debate deliberately ignored the importance of restoring statehood first.
“What is the meaning of Article 370 without statehood?” he asked.
He explained that any discussion on constitutional guarantees or special status necessarily requires the existence of a state, as such provisions primarily deal with the distribution of powers between the Union Government and the State Government.
“If there is no state, where is the State List? Without statehood, everything remains under the Union List. Therefore, statehood is the foundation. Once that foundation is restored, we can move towards discussions on constitutional guarantees,” he said.
Omar maintained that the National Conference had never abandoned its commitment to Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights.
He said the first Assembly session after the formation of the present government had passed a resolution seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position and guarantees.
“That resolution is still alive. It has not disappeared. But meaningful discussions can only begin after the Centre fulfils its promise of restoring statehood,” he added.
The Chief Minister accused certain political parties of avoiding confrontation with the BJP and the Central Government while criticising the National Conference.
“They remain confined to social media instead of coming onto the streets to fight for the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Omar reiterated that the agitation launched by the National Conference was only the beginning and would continue in different forms.
“This is not the end. We will continue this struggle. The party leadership under Dr Farooq Abdullah will decide the future course of action, but our movement will continue until statehood is restored,” he said.
He said the National Conference had already organised large public programmes in Srinagar and Jammu besides the protest in New Delhi, while party workers simultaneously continued programmes across districts.
“There will be no compromise in this struggle. We will continue reminding the Central Government of its promise until Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood,” Omar said.
Highlighting the participation of National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah in the recent protest, Omar described the veteran leader’s presence as the strongest symbol of the movement.
“At the age of 90, carrying a walking stick, Dr Farooq Abdullah came out to lead this struggle for the honour and rights of the people. There can be no stronger message than that,” he said.
The Chief Minister also thanked party workers who travelled to Delhi voluntarily without any financial assistance from the party.
“Everyone came on their own. No one was provided tickets or travel arrangements by the party. That reflects the commitment of our workers,” he said. (JKNS)
