SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that the responsibility for Jammu and Kashmir’s security should be handed over to the elected government and that statehood must be restored without further delay.
Speaking during a special interaction with tour operators from across the country in Kolkata, the Chief Minister said: “We don’t want to remain a Union Territory. We want the responsibility of security to be ours.”
He said he also discussed the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country during a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
“After the meeting, Mamata Banerjee clearly stated that she raised the issue of security control in JK. Unfortunately, we are currently a Union Territory. The Centre, BJP, and Government of India have promised to restore statehood. We don’t want any further delay in this process. Statehood should be restored at the earliest, and the responsibility for security should be given to the elected government. We will take care of it,” he said.
Responding to a query about the Bihar voter list, Omar said Jammu and Kashmir is a place where elections are not held easily. “We witnessed the 2024 elections after a gap of ten years. I am among those who want elections to be held under all circumstances,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to a post on X by the Office of the Chief Minister, JK, Omar Abdullah highlighted the unique tourism experiences that Jammu and Kashmir has to offer.
He invited tour operators from across the country to collaborate in promoting the region and assured full support from the government.
“Chief Minister held a special interaction with tour operators from across the country, highlighting the unique tourism experiences Jammu & Kashmir has to offer. He invited them to collaborate in promoting the region and assured full support from the government,” the post reads. (KNO)
