JAMMU, AUGUST 22: With the Monsoon Session of Parliament ending without any concrete move on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah struck a resolute tone, saying the struggle for statehood will now intensify from the ground up. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 56th Raising Day celebrations of Sainik School, Nagrota, where he inaugurated the new Triveni Girls Hostel, Omar said, “The hopes we had pinned on the Monsoon Session have faded. The water has crossed over. From here begins our renewed process. We had trusted that promises made would be acted upon, but now, if we need to struggle harder and put in more effort, that is exactly what we will do.”
Omar also expressed concern over three new proposed legislations concerning the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers, claiming they are being designed to selectively target opposition leaders. “So far, the laws are being applied only against opposition members. If this is truly about ending corruption, what impact has the government’s work since 2014 had? No law is bad in itself—it is the misuse of a law that makes it dangerous,” he said. He warned the ruling party that political power is transient. “Those who are in power today may not be in power tomorrow. The very laws they are weaponising now could be used against them in the future. Tampering with law for political convenience will not benefit the country.”
When asked about the dismissal of two government employees over alleged terror links, Omar distanced himself from the move, noting, “That is a decision of the Raj Bhavan. We have no role in it.” On relief measures for those affected by recent cloudbursts, he said his government was focused on immediate support. “We are providing as much relief as possible. If assessments show more assistance is needed, we will ensure that too,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the event at Sainik School Nagrota was marked by both solemnity and celebration. Omar laid a wreath at the Shaurya Smarak in tribute to fallen heroes before inaugurating the Triveni Girls Hostel, a milestone step in making the institution more inclusive. He was given a ceremonial Guard of Honour, joined students and staff for a group photograph, and took part in the traditional cake-cutting ceremony alongside the school’s senior and junior cadets.
Senior army officers including Lt Gen PK Mishra, GOC 16 Corps, and Maj Gen Paramvir Singh Dagar were in attendance, along with education officials and alumni. The school principal, Captain (IN) Shibu Devasia, presented a specially designed memento to the Chief Minister, symbolising knowledge, discipline, and courage. Omar praised the school’s role in shaping disciplined and patriotic citizens, writing words of encouragement in the Visitors’ Book.
The inauguration of the hostel was highlighted as a major step towards providing girl cadets the same facilities, environment, and opportunities as their male counterparts. It was described as an important step for inclusivity and leadership development in the institution, reflecting a commitment to gender equality in education and training.