SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday pressed the Centre for a clear, time-bound roadmap on restoration of statehood for Jammu Kashmir, saying vague assurances are unacceptable especially after the recent Pahalgam attack that has hit tourism and livelihoods.
Addressing a public gathering, CM Omar, lamented the economic fallout from the incident and questioned who was responsible for security, saying it was not within his hands to rectify lapses he had not been given powers to address. He warned that people cannot be asked to wait indefinitely for a promise that was the basis of electoral support.
“Twenty-six of our guests have died in Pahalgam our artisans have no sales, shikaras and taxis lie idle, houseboats are empty,” he said. “Who is responsible for security here? It is not in my hands. If it were in my hands, I would never have let this happen.”
Pivoting to the long-pending question of statehood, the Chief Minister stressed that voters were given assurances during elections and now deserve concrete timelines. “People were told statehood would follow, why ask them to wait? If a promise was made and people voted on that basis, why isn’t it being fulfilled?” he asked. “Tell me: how are we to measure the ‘right time’ for statehood? What conditions must be met so we know the time has come?”
CM Omar demanded clear milestones and a target so the administration and citizens can prepare: “If there is a goal, show us the milestones. We can then work to meet them. Don’t keep asking us to wait for an undefined ‘appropriate time.’”
He urged the Centre to convert assurances into action, saying clarity on statehood is essential for political stability and for restoring public confidence in the region’s future. (KNC)
