Srinagar, Nov 8: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday claimed the people of Jammu and Kashmir “found their voice” after the resolution was passed for restoring special status to the erstwhile state. He said it seemed that the “burden is off their shoulders”.
Speaking on the vote of thanks for the Lt Governor’s address in the House, he said, “The first session of the newly elected Jammu and Kashmir Assembly is short but historic in terms of agenda.”
The first session of the new assembly began on Monday and is scheduled to end on Friday.
Abdullah said that when he spoke in the House the last time, Jammu and Kashmir was a state and had a special place and status in the country.
“It has all been snatched,” he said in an apparent reference to the August 5, 2019, development when the special status under Article 370 was revoked and the state was bifurcated into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The chief minister remarked that the first session of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly is “short but historic in terms of agenda”.
“I have got an opportunity to talk like this in the House after a long time. In March 2014, I spoke at the governor’s address as chief minister, and in 2018 as the opposition. So much has changed since then and we have lost a lot.”
“When I think about it, I cannot believe it,” Abdullah said.
Referring to the passage of the resolution asking the Centre to work out a constitutional mechanism for restoring the special status of the erstwhile state, the chief minister said, “After its passage, I am happy that people have found their voice and they can talk.”
“We felt suffocated and thought we wouldn’t be able to talk. It seems that the burden is off the shoulders of the people. I have seen people who had forgotten their pens and keyboards find their footing again. They are feeling free enough to express themselves,” he said.
Abdullah said, “While I will regret what we lost, I am happy that I have the enthusiasm that whatever time is fixed for me by Allah, I will not waste a day. I will serve the people.”
Abdullah said many said elections would never happen. “There were people who claimed they would not allow elections. But by God’s will, the elections took place, and the government was formed,” he said.
Turning to the opposition’s criticism, Abdullah expressed his disappointment with their actions during the assembly proceedings. “We wanted every member to stay here and engage in meaningful discussions, especially on issues like the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees. But the opposition turned this into a drama, abandoning the session midway,” he stated.
He also criticized the central government’s dismissive attitude toward the region’s demands, asserting that, while they may not expect immediate change, he remains hopeful that someday the region will reclaim its lost autonomy.
Abdullah highlighted the restoration of freedom of speech and thanked his government for addressing some of the concerns raised by the public, including reforms in the student examination process and recruitment opportunities. “Our agenda will not be set by WhatsApp or Facebook, but by the people of Kashmir,” he asserted.
While acknowledging that his government does not have control over security issues, Abdullah reiterated his commitment to peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “Peace is essential for everything, and we seek peace through cooperation, not suppression,” he stated. He also assured security forces of the government’s support in restoring peace across the region.
On other local issues, Abdullah expressed concern over the difficulties faced by people on highways and the CID verification process. “The government must look into those who do not have serious charges against them and review their cases,” he said.
Concluding his speech, Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment to seeking statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. “We want Jammu and Kashmir to be restored to its rightful position as a state, as promised by the Centre and the Prime Minister. I remain hopeful that this will happen soon,” he stated. He also stressed that while industries were welcome in the region, there would be no compromise on Jammu and Kashmir’s assets.
“Our election promises remain intact, and we will work to fulfill them. The LG’s address may have been a short roadmap, but we will continue to work towards our long-term goals,” he concluded.
