Omar Abdullah Challenges Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Over Jammu And Kashmir Statehood Restoration

The Chief Minister stated he would persistently address the statehood issue.

Srinagar:

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has launched a harsh critique of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, claiming he is misleading citizens regarding statehood matters. Lt Governor Sinha emphasized that statehood cannot serve as an excuse, noting that the elected government possesses all necessary powers to work effectively for public welfare.

"You cannot use statehood as an excuse to delay work. The government has all required powers, and I must firmly state that people should not be deceived. Utilize your authority for citizens' welfare," Lt Governor Sinha declared.

Omar Abdullah responded sharply, suggesting the Lt Governor focus on his own responsibilities while referencing the Pahalgam terror attack. The Chief Minister pointed out that the attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities, occurred under Lt Governor Sinha's watch, as he holds responsibility for security and maintaining law and order in Jammu and Kashmir.

"We understand our duties. He should concentrate on his own. Twenty-six of our visitors were killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. This happened under his supervision, yet he's advising us about our responsibilities," Abdullah remarked.

The J&K Chief Minister noted that during his previous six-year tenure as Chief Minister of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir, not a single tourist was harmed in any incident. He asserted that "had I been responsible for security," an attack like the one in Pahalgam would have been prevented.

"Who bears responsibility for J&K's security? It's not under my control. Had it been my responsibility, such a situation would never have occurred," he stated.

The Chief Minister affirmed his commitment to continue raising the statehood issue and discussing promises made to citizens in both the Supreme Court and Parliament.

"Why is there apprehension about statehood? Why is there reluctance to relinquish power? If commitments were made to J&K's people, and citizens voted based on those promises, why remains the statehood promise unfulfilled?" he questioned.

Omar Abdullah challenged the Centre to explain what constitutes an appropriate time for restoring statehood. "How is this measured? What scale determines the right time for statehood? As Chief Minister, I should at minimum know the target established for J&K's statehood," he said.

The Chief Minister also accused Lt Governor Sinha of failing to achieve meaningful development during the past six years of central administration.