CM Omar Abdullah on Centre's J&K statehood promise: Shouldn't take much time
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the Centre to fulfill its promise of restoring the region's statehood, calling the Union Territory status a temporary phase.
In Short
- Omar Abdullah hopes J&K statehood will be restored soon
- He reaffirms electoral promises with some being implemented
- First elected assembly since Article 370 abrogation in 2019
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed hope that the Union Territory's statehood would soon be restored, citing the central government's previous commitment. Speaking at a press conference, Abdullah hoped that Jammu and Kashmir being a Union Territory was a temporary phase.
“We hope J&K being a UT is a temporary phase and the Centre fulfills its promise of restoring statehood as soon as possible,” he said. The Chief Minister also referenced the Supreme Court's verdict from a year ago, which urged the central government to reinstate statehood without delay. “One year is enough for this 'as soon as possible,'” he said.
The J&K Chief Minister acknowledged the challenges his government faced in transitioning to power in a Union Territory, describing the experience as unexpectedly manageable. “It took us some time to understand the functioning of a government in a UT. It was easier than anticipated. However, there is a sea of difference between this government and the last one I headed,” he said.
Reaffirming his party's electoral promises, Abdullah said that the government had begun implementing some commitments while systemic changes were needed to address others. “We stand by the promises we made before the elections, which earned us the mandate to form the government,” he said.
This marks the first elected assembly in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Assembly polls, held in September 2024 in three phases, paved the way for Abdullah's government.
Tags
JAMMU KASHMIR