CM Omar Abdullah Reiterates Demand for Early Restoration of Statehood, Says It Will Empower Elected Government to Deliver Promises
Srinagar, Oct 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has once again called for the early restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that it would strengthen democratic institutions, empower the elected government, and enable it to effectively fulfil promises made to the people during last year’s assembly elections.
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam district of south Kashmir, Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment that the Centre has yet to honour the commitment to restore statehood made from the floor of Parliament and reaffirmed before the Supreme Court. “We were told statehood would be restored, and we have been waiting for that promise to be kept. More powers in the hands of the elected government will help us serve the people better,” he said, adding that his government would continue to advocate for the statehood restoration.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve the same dignity, authority, and political empowerment as other states in the country. We are not asking for any special treatment, only what was promised and what is rightfully ours,” Omar emphasized, calling upon the Centre and the BJP to explain the continued delay in fulfilling this constitutional assurance.
Addressing other political issues, Omar Abdullah said his government would not obstruct any legislative initiatives that benefit the public, responding to reports about PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s conditions regarding her party’s support for the ruling coalition in the Rajya Sabha elections. “The Speaker alone decides which private member bills are taken up. If a bill genuinely benefits people, we will support it,” he clarified. He cited his party colleague Tanvir Sadiq’s proposed amendment to the Land Grants Act as an example, saying that such matters must follow proper legislative procedure.
On the revival of the century-old Darbar Move, the biannual transfer of government offices between Jammu and Srinagar, Omar Abdullah said that his government had fulfilled yet another commitment. “The Cabinet decided on the restoration, the file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor, and once approved, the order was issued. After a gap since 2021, the two capitals are once again connected through this historic practice,” he said.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that even under the Union Territory framework, his government is working within its powers to deliver on promises made to citizens. “We will continue to do everything possible to ensure that development, transparency, and inclusivity remain at the heart of governance,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also highlighted his government’s efforts to streamline the reservation system. He informed that the Cabinet sub-committee on reservations had submitted its report, which was accepted by the Cabinet. “Now, the department concerned will prepare a Cabinet memo for approval and send it to the LG. This was one of the major commitments we made to our people,” he noted.
Responding to questions about compensation for losses suffered by the fruit industry, Omar Abdullah said discussions with the Centre were underway for a special relief package. “Assessments have already been conducted, and we are pushing for compensation similar to what other states have received for agricultural and horticultural damages,” he said.
On the issue of revoking FIRs registered during the COVID-19 lockdown period, the Chief Minister said his government would take action once full administrative control over law and order is restored. “We will surely address those matters when the powers are with us,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Omar Abdullah virtually inaugurated several key urban infrastructure projects in Kulgam, including a Solid Waste Management and Material Recovery Facility at Lirrow, a new Municipal Shopping Complex, and a Modern Abattoir, all aimed at improving civic amenities and boosting local trade. He also chaired a comprehensive review meeting on the district’s development indicators under CAPEX 2025-26 and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
In a post on X, the Chief Minister lauded Kulgam’s administration for its effective response during recent floods and reviewed restoration works for damaged infrastructure. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted power and water supply during the winter months, accelerate ongoing projects, strengthen field inspections, and improve inter-departmental coordination for timely and visible results on the ground.
Reiterating his core message, Omar Abdullah said the restoration of statehood remains central to his government’s political and administrative vision. “Only a fully empowered, democratically elected government can truly represent the aspirations of our people,” he said, reaffirming that his party would continue to raise the issue with both determination and dignity until the promise is fulfilled.
