Omar Abdullah Acknowledges Political Cost of Trusting New Delhi, Demands Centre End Silence on Jammu and Kashmir Statehood
Independence Day Address Turns into Strong Political Statement as Omar Abdullah Accuses Centre of Betraying J&K’s Hopes
Srinagar, Aug 15: On Independence Day at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, Omar Abdullah reflected on the political challenges he has faced, admitting that his faith in India’s democratic framework and the Central government for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s rights, including statehood, has come at a political cost.
Speaking to a large gathering, Abdullah said he had taken a conscious political risk by asserting that Jammu and Kashmir’s future could be secured through democracy and meaningful engagement with the Centre, rather than confrontation. “Perhaps I have paid a political price for this conviction,” he remarked, acknowledging the criticism and political setbacks that followed his stance.
Amid widespread speculation that the Centre would announce the reinstatement of statehood around this Independence Day, Abdullah said he had been repeatedly assured that such a development was imminent, with documents said to be prepared. “I had little expectation, yet I was told time and again that the announcement was ready, only awaiting a formal declaration. But that announcement never came. The ray of hope is fading, but we will not give up,” he said, his words resonating with a mixture of disappointment and determination.
Highlighting the limitations of governance under the Union Territory arrangement, Abdullah underlined that despite the complexities of dual power centres, his government had worked consistently over the last 10 months. He pointed to key resolutions passed in the legislative assembly, one for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and another for statehood as evidence of his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s aspirations.
He also highlighted initiatives in sectors such as education, healthcare, social welfare, transport, tourism, and agriculture, crediting budgetary measures for easing hardships in people’s daily lives. “Our focus has been to use every power available to us effectively, ensuring that citizens see tangible benefits,” he stressed, while making it clear that governance should continue to work hand in hand with the people’s rightful demands.
