Omar Abdullah Hopes J&K Will Regain Statehood in the New Year
Srinagar: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Tuesday expressed hope that the Union Territory will regain its statehood in the new year. He said this is the democratic right of the people and the government is making every possible effort to achieve this goal.
Talking to the media, Omar Abdullah said that the restoration of statehood is not just a political issue, but a matter linked to the dignity, identity, and right to self-governance of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
On the issue of daily wagers, the Chief Minister said the government is well aware of their long-pending demands and serious efforts are underway to find a permanent solution. He clarified that this is not merely an administrative issue, but a question of livelihood for thousands of families.
Omar Abdullah informed that the upcoming session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will begin on February 2, during which several important bills will be introduced and key public issues will be discussed.
Reacting strongly to BJP leader Sham Lal Sharma’s statement on a separate Jammu, the Chief Minister said such remarks only create division and are against the unity and integrity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Regarding the issue of MBBS seats at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College, Omar Abdullah said the government is working seriously to strengthen the health and education sectors and the matter will be resolved on a priority basis.
On the removal of a Bangladeshi cricketer from the IPL, he said it was not the player’s fault and such decisions do not help improve relations between the two countries. He added that Bangladesh not playing in India at present is a worrying situation.
On the issue of Hindus being targeted in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said the matter should be taken up by the Indian government at the diplomatic level. He made it clear that the people of Bangladesh have not done anything wrong to India.
Omar Abdullah said:
“What Trump did in the case of Venezuela, India should take a similarly strong stand in the case of Bangladesh.”
He stressed that only a strong and clear foreign policy can ensure peace and stability in the region.
