SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday reiterated his government’s commitment to the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the administration would continue working to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
Addressing the 80th Independence Day gathering in Srinagar, Omar said his government was committed to restoring what had been taken away from Jammu and Kashmir while simultaneously putting the Union Territory on the path of development.
“Our government is committed to restoring statehood and constitutional guarantees, and putting Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development. We will work to fulfil these goals,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Independence Day was an occasion for “joy, remembrance and reflection” and urged people to reflect on the country’s journey over the past 80 years and the need to strengthen democracy and federalism.
Paying tribute to National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Omar described him as one of the most courageous leaders of Jammu and Kashmir and said any reflection on the region’s history would remain incomplete without recalling his contribution.
He also recalled the resistance mounted by people of Jammu and Kashmir against tribal raiders in 1947, saying people across villages, towns and streets stood up against the attackers even before the Indian Army arrived.
“Those who had weapons used weapons, while those who did not have weapons showed even fake guns and fought against the invaders,” Omar said, adding that thousands of people sacrificed their lives.
He also paid tribute to NC leader Master Abdul Aziz, whom he said was killed in Muzaffarabad while resisting the tribal invasion.
Referring to the situation across the Line of Control, Omar said the condition of people living there remained a matter of sadness and regret.
He said the people across the LoC were not strangers and continued to be regarded as part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar noted that seats had been kept vacant in the Legislative Assembly for representatives from that part of the region, expressing hope that they would one day be occupied.
“When I see the situation across the border, I realise that our ancestors who said ‘hamlavar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar’ were right,” he said.
The Chief Minister said democracy and federalism were among the biggest strengths of the country and called for both to be strengthened in practice.
“Whatever was taken away from us should be returned to us,” he said, stressing that federalism should not remain limited to words.
He said strengthening the federal structure was not only about restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir but also about ensuring greater empowerment of all states.
Omar also raised concerns over the erosion of powers of states and said central agencies should not interfere in areas falling within the states’ domain.
Referring to education and healthcare, he said these had traditionally remained areas of state responsibility. He added that while national-level examinations such as NEET, NET and JEE were appropriate for national institutions, state institutions should have the right to conduct their own examinations and admissions.
The Chief Minister also referred to controversies surrounding recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir and said allegations had resulted in inquiries and assurances of corrective measures.
He stressed the need to restore public confidence in recruitment and admission systems.
“Losing trust takes minutes, regaining it takes years,” Omar said, emphasising that recruitment and admission processes should be transparent, merit-based and fair.
He said deserving candidates should feel confident that they had a fair opportunity to secure jobs and seats.
Omar also underlined the importance of the government, opposition and media in a democracy, saying the government must govern, the opposition must hold it accountable and the media must hold both sides accountable.
Defending the performance of his government over the past two-and-a-half years, the Chief Minister said the administration belonged to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and was working for their welfare, development and happiness.
He said the government would continue creating opportunities for young people, including those living in rural areas, and work towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people.
Concluding his address, Omar extended Independence Day greetings to the people and expressed hope that the coming decades would bring greater prosperity, peace, progress and fraternity to Jammu and Kashmir and the country.
