Omar Abdullah Meets Amit Shah, Advocates for Early Statehood Restoration and Elected Governance
New Delhi, Dec 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday, engaging in a comprehensive discussion on critical issues, including the prompt restoration of statehood and the involvement of elected representatives in countering terrorism.
This marked Abdullah’s second meeting with Shah since assuming office as Chief Minister on October 16. He described the discussions as “cordial” and expressed optimism about fostering a collaborative environment for the benefit of the region’s people.
The 30-minute meeting allowed Abdullah to brief the Home Minister on the Union Territory’s current situation and his administration’s experiences over the past two months. “I raised the issue of early restoration of statehood with the Home Minister, emphasizing the need for Jammu and Kashmir to regain its status soon,” Abdullah stated.
Addressing questions about militancy, he underscored the importance of public trust and participation in combating terrorism. “You cannot fight militancy in isolation. The public must be taken into confidence, and their elected representatives must play an integral role in this fight,” Abdullah remarked.
Regarding the division of powers between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor’s office, Abdullah clarified that this issue falls within the purview of the J&K government. “The framing of business rules is our prerogative. The Cabinet will finalize these and send them to the LG for approval,” he noted, adding that the Centre has no involvement in this matter.
Abdullah is scheduled to attend the GST Council meeting in Jaisalmer on December 20. Responding to concerns about a potential 28% GST hike on handloom products, he stated, “I have not reviewed any such proposal. If it arises, we will contest it vigorously, as it impacts not just Jammu and Kashmir but other states as well.”
Shortly after Abdullah’s meeting, Shah convened a session with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior officers to assess the law-and-order situation in the Union Territory.
This meeting follows Abdullah’s earlier interaction with Shah on October 23, his first visit to the national capital after assuming office.
