No Government in J&K Has Ever Tolerated Terrorism; People’s Involvement Essential to Eradicate Militancy: Omar Abdullah
CM Omar Abdullah stresses zero tolerance policy against terrorism, says public cooperation vital for eliminating militancy and restoring statehood
Jammu, Apr 9: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reaffirmed that no dispensation in the region, past or present, has ever shown leniency towards terrorism, and reiterated that lasting peace and elimination of militancy are only possible with the active involvement of the people. Addressing media personnel at the conclusion of the 21-day-long Budget Session in Jammu, Abdullah emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in counter-terror efforts and highlighted the achievements of his previous tenure, claiming that militancy was nearly wiped out in the state by 2014.
“Which government has ever tolerated terrorism?” he asked, responding to a query about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent directions to security agencies to pursue a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ towards terrorism. “Certainly not the one I led as part of the National Conference-Congress coalition. We maintained a policy of absolute zero tolerance. In fact, by the end of my tenure in 2014, terrorism had been contained to just two-and-a-half districts in Kashmir. The rest of Jammu and Kashmir was almost entirely free from militant activity.”
He acknowledged that the situation in 2014 was far more stable, thanks to the consistent efforts of both the security forces and the cooperation of the general public. “I sincerely believe that J&K should be brought back to the stage it was in 2014 — relatively peaceful and secure,” he said.
Highlighting the indispensable role of the people in maintaining peace, Abdullah stressed that no counter-terror strategy can succeed unless the local population is involved as active stakeholders. “This fight cannot be won through force alone. The people must be taken along. Public trust, civic participation, and elected representatives all have an essential role to play in defeating militancy in totality,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also addressed the ongoing discourse around the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that it is not merely a political demand but a rightful expectation that has been assured by the Union Government.
“Statehood is not a privilege, it is our right. It was promised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir after the region was downgraded to a Union Territory. We expect the Centre to honour that commitment. I hope the process for restoration will begin soon, and there will be no lack of effort on our part to make it happen,” he said.
