After Ladakh bifurcation, BJP now wants to divide Jammu, alleges Omar Abdullah

Jammu, Jan 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday launched a strong attack on the demand raised by a BJP legislator for separation and statehood for Jammu, asserting that those making such demands had already separated Ladakh from Jammu and Kashmir and “destroyed it,” and were now seeking to do the same with Jammu.

Reacting to the demand made by BJP MLA from Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma, Omar Abdullah questioned the basis of the call for a separate Jammu. “On what grounds is this demand being raised? Is it on the basis of religion? If they want to separate Jammu and destroy it, they can go ahead. But why was this not done in 2019?” he asked while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function.

The Chief Minister said that the BJP’s politics in the region had failed and that the sudden recall of statehood demands for Jammu was an attempt to divert attention. Referring to the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, he said Ladakh continues to agitate for restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards even four years later.

He pointed out that mass movements led by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance have been ongoing in Ladakh, demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status. “On one hand, the BJP accuses us of not taking care of Jammu and Kashmir, but it is their decisions that have weakened and divided the region,” Omar said.

Listing the challenges ahead for his government, the Chief Minister said restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remains a priority. He said preparations are underway for the upcoming budget session of the Legislature beginning February 2, followed by the tourism season in March and April. Omar noted that governance today requires preparedness for unforeseen challenges, citing last year’s terror incidents, security operations and unseasonal heavy rainfall that caused lasting damage.

Responding to queries on daily wagers seeking regularisation, Omar said it was too early to comment. On the recently approved reservation policy, he said the Cabinet had completed its role. “The Cabinet Sub-Committee prepared the report, the Cabinet approved it and sent it to Lok Bhawan. Now it is for the Lieutenant Governor to decide,” he said, adding that journalists should seek answers from the Raj Bhawan.

On the controversy surrounding admissions at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence, Omar reiterated that students were admitted strictly on merit. Questioning the ongoing protests, he said no student was granted any favour. “If people do not want these students there, then shift them to other government medical colleges. Given the situation, even parents may hesitate to send their children there,” he said, suggesting that the Union Health Ministry should relocate the students to ensure continuity of their education.

He lamented what he described as the growing tendency to inject religion into every sphere, including education and sports. Referring to recent debates over sports team selections, Omar said his party judged players solely on performance. “Others see only religion. When there were more Muslims in football, they objected. When their number reduced in cricket, they had no issue,” he said.

The Chief Minister also criticised the removal of Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL, questioning whether such actions would improve relations with Bangladesh or help minorities there. He warned that mixing sports with politics could harm regional ties and international sporting events, including the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Omar concluded by cautioning against divisive politics, saying constant attempts to polarise society and fragment regions would only deepen mistrust and weaken the social and political fabric of Jammu and Kashmir.