Srinagar, 24-02-2025: The government remains steadfast in its commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that several pressing issues cannot be effectively addressed under the current Union Territory (UT) status, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said today. Speaking to reporters at SKUAST-K, Omar reiterated that his administration would continue its efforts to reclaim statehood while simultaneously addressing governance matters under the existing framework.
“Why am I fighting for statehood? Because I understand the limitations of a UT. Certain issues demand the autonomy and decision-making power that only full statehood can provide. We are pursuing both paths—achieving what is possible under a UT while persistently striving for statehood,” he stated.
Omar reaffirmed his government’s dedication to fulfilling its electoral commitments, emphasizing that the promises outlined in the party’s manifesto were meant for a full five-year term. “Our manifesto was not drafted for just five days or five weeks; it spans five years. We are fully aware of our commitments, and we will ensure their implementation,” he assured.
However, when questioned about the upcoming budget, Omar declined to comment, stating that it would be inappropriate to discuss it before its official presentation in the Assembly. “It is the government’s duty to present the budget in the legislature first. Therefore, I will refrain from making any statements on it at this time,” he said.
Addressing concerns about potential water scarcity due to deficient winter rainfall and snowfall, the Chief Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. “There is an 80 percent rainfall deficit, which raises the risk of water shortages in the summer months. This could impact not only agriculture but also household water supply. We must begin preparing now,” he cautioned.
He urged the public to adopt water conservation measures and emphasized the need for government intervention through initiatives like rainwater harvesting and glacier preservation. “The administration will work closely with the agriculture and Jal Shakti Departments to develop solutions for ensuring sufficient irrigation water for farmers,” he added.
On a different note, Omar expressed his enthusiasm for joining the nationwide campaign against obesity, an initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister was among 10 individuals nominated by the Prime Minister to promote awareness on the issue. “Obesity is a growing health concern, and I am happy to be part of this campaign. If we prioritize health, our children will perform better in academics, our hospitals will be under less strain, and our overall life expectancy will improve,” he remarked.
As part of the initiative, Omar nominated several prominent personalities to take the campaign forward, including Biocon Limited founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, industrialist Sajjan Jindal, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, former tennis star Sania Mirza, former cricketer Irfan Pathan, NCP MP Supriya Sule, and former Wushu champion Kuldeep Handoo.