SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reiterated his demand for the immediate restoration of Jammu Kashmir’s statehood, saying that delaying the empowerment of the elected government was “unfair to the people” and contrary to assurances made by the Union Government in Parliament and before the Supreme Court.
Addressing his second press conference in three days, organised by the National Conference (NC) to mark the completion of one year in office, Omar clarified that the interaction was not an official government event owing to the Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Budgam and Nagrota by-elections. “Traditionally, these pressers serve as a report card of the government’s work, but since the code of conduct is in force, we are holding this as a party event so that the media does not feel we are avoiding engagement,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to the restoration of statehood, Omar said the Union Government had itself laid out a three-step roadmap — delimitation, elections, and restoration. “Two of these steps have been completed, and the third must follow. To link statehood with incidents like the Pahalgam attack is unjust. Those involved were not from Jammu and Kashmir, so penalising our people makes no sense,” he said. He added that the option of becoming a legal party to the Supreme Court case on statehood was under active consideration. “I have served as Chief Minister of both a state and a Union Territory, and I understand the disadvantages. Based on legal advice, I may join the case,” he said.
Rejecting speculation of any political tie-up with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Omar made it clear that an alliance was out of the question. “If the restoration of statehood depends on the BJP coming to power, they should say it openly. They have never claimed this in Parliament, the Supreme Court, or their manifesto. As far as we are concerned, there is no question of allying with them again. The PDP-BJP alliance of 2015 devastated Jammu and Kashmir, and I will not repeat that mistake,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that his government would revoke the Public Safety Act once Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood. “We will not wait for an Assembly session. The PSA will be repealed through an ordinance,” he said, adding that security and law and order currently remain under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant Governor.
On the Budgam by-election, Omar said the NC was finalising its candidate and that an announcement would be made within two days. He confirmed that the party had also approached the Congress regarding the Nagrota seat. “If Congress wishes to contest there, we are ready to step aside and will work to ensure their victory. Our alliance in Jammu needs to be strengthened,” he said.
Defending the installation of smart meters, Omar said they were essential to the government’s commitment to provide 200 free electricity units. “There’s a misconception that smart meters increase bills. In fact, they help ensure fair billing and have reduced costs for many households. Without meters, it’s impossible to measure consumption for subsidised units,” he explained.
Responding to opposition claims of political misuse of official resources, Omar dismissed the accusations as baseless. “Our first Assembly resolution sought the restoration of JK’s constitutional guarantees, and our first Cabinet resolution on statehood was personally handed to the Prime Minister. Those making allegations should remember how they betrayed people’s trust in 2014 by joining hands with the BJP despite campaigning against them,” he said.
Addressing tourism concerns following the Pahalgam attack, Omar said efforts were under way to revive the sector. “Delegations have been sent to Singapore, and more will go to London and Berlin. Domestically, ministers are promoting J&K as a safe destination. We also urge the Centre to reopen restricted areas like Doodhpathri, Drang, and parts of Gulmarg. Even during peak militancy, these places remained open — they should reopen now,” he said.
On cabinet representation, Omar said the limited size under Union Territory rules restricts regional balance but added that expansion could be considered after the Rajya Sabha elections. “Being a minister is not the only way to serve. Every minister works for the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Concluding the interaction, Omar reaffirmed that his government was steadily implementing its manifesto. “This is not a six-month or one-year plan. We have begun delivering on several fronts, and our focus remains on fulfilling every promise we made to the people,” he said.
