SRINAGAR: In his first interaction with the media after taking office, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted the significance of engaging with the press after a six-year gap. He emphasised that the government was not there to make announcements but to fulfil its responsibility of reaching out to the public through open communication.
Abdullah stressed the urgent need to restore the region’s statehood, citing the Supreme Court’s December 2023 phrasing of “as soon as possible” as a clear timeline. “I believe one year is enough for ‘as soon as possible.’ It is high time we are given back what was taken away,” he said during the press conference held at SKICC Srinagar.
The event, held under the banner “Engaging Perspectives,” was attended by senior government officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, along with other cabinet members.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering on the promises outlined in its manifesto, and that some goals would be achieved immediately, while others, such as restoring statehood, would require time. Abdullah praised the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their robust participation in the October 2023 assembly elections and expressed hope that the democratic mandate would be respected.
He also acknowledged the challenges inherited by his administration and assured that his government was prepared to address them.
