SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday clarified that the authority to declare public holidays in the Union Territory lies with the Central government, stressing that the present elected administration has only limited control over such decisions.
He made the remarks amid renewed debate on declaring an official holiday to commemorate National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, stating that the late leader’s legacy does not rely on government proclamations. “Sheikh Abdullah lives in the hearts of the people, irrespective of whether a holiday is declared,” he told reporters.
Omar further urged the Union government to expedite the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, arguing that only a fully empowered elected government can take autonomous decisions on matters such as public holidays and wider administrative policy. “Statehood must be restored at the earliest so that a government with full authority can meet the aspirations of the people,” he added. (KINS)
