Expecting more powers, putting efforts for statehood: CM Omar Abdullah
Kulgam, Oct 18: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Friday said that his government is consistently working towards the restoration of statehood and expects the Centre to grant more powers soon — a decision he said is being delayed for reasons known only to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, Omar said that statehood was a key promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and should have been fulfilled by now. “We were hoping that the Centre would restore statehood within a year. We don’t know why there is a delay — only the BJP knows. But our fight for it will continue,” he said.
On the revival of the bi-annual Darbar Move, the Chief Minister said, “I have made it clear from day one that in the Union Territory, whatever promises we made, we will fulfill them. The Darbar Move was one of the promises we made in our manifesto, and since 2021, it has been restored.”
Addressing the reservation issue, Omar said that a cabinet sub-committee led by Sakeena Itoo had completed and submitted its final report. “The report has been approved. The cabinet memo is being prepared for circulation and will be sent to the LG for approval,” he added.
On crop losses suffered by farmers, the Chief Minister said that the government is in talks with the Centre for a relief package similar to those provided to other states. “Wherever there has been damage to agricultural or horticultural crops, assessments have been completed. J&K also deserves such a package,” he said.
Responding to a question about revoking FIRs registered during COVID-19 restrictions, Omar said, “Law and order is not with the elected government right now. Once we regain those powers, we will fulfill our other promises as well.”
Meanwhile, in a post on X, the Office of the Chief Minister said that Omar Abdullah visited stalls set up by various departments in Kulgam, showcasing key government schemes and welfare initiatives. “He interacted with officials and beneficiaries, appreciating efforts towards ensuring citizen-centric governance and effective service delivery,” the post added.
