SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister leader Omar Abdullah addressed concerns surrounding protests against the New Reservation Policy in Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to a question about party MP Aga Ruhullah’s support for student protests on reservation, Abdullah highlighted the democratic nature of the NC.
“This is a democracy. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference is very secular and open. We are often labeled as dynasts, but we allow everyone to voice their opinions,” Omar said.
Reflecting on the evolution of public expression in the region, he said, “See how things have changed. Earlier, organising protests in these areas was unimaginable. Now, protests happen outside the gates of our residences, and we engage with those involved afterward.”
Addressing the reservation issue, Omar reassured that the matter was being handled. “The reservation issue has been dealt with and will be resolved in a time-bound manner. We have already established a cabinet sub-committee for this purpose,” he said.
However, he shifted the focus to what he termed “more pressing concerns.” “The bigger issue is that our jobs are not ours, and our lands are not ours. We need to save what belongs to us first. Reservation can be addressed later, but protecting our resources must come first,” he stressed.
Omar said that the NC parliamentarian, in collaboration with legislators from other parties as well, should take up the matter of statehood restoration in the upcoming parliamentary session.
“We believe that MP Ruhullah has done well. Now, in the new Parliament session, I expect our MP to lead the charge along with MPs from other parties to address the issue comprehensively,” he said.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates on reservation policies and resource ownership in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the intersection of local and national concerns in the region.
In response to questions about the dual model of governance in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that a dual system of power is not beneficial. He explained that governance systems work more efficiently when there is a single centre of command. “Dual centres of power are not advantageous. If they were effective, you would see them everywhere,” Abdullah told reporters during a media interaction.
He highlighted that in the Union Territory, a dual system exists due to its unique status, but this is a learning phase for everyone involved. “Authority rests with one chain of command, and this is how systems work best,” he said.
Addressing concerns about differences between the government and the Raj Bhavan, Abdullah said that while there have been occasional disagreements, there is no confrontation. “The differences have not been as large as some reports suggest. Such speculations are unfounded,” he said.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that business rules for the government would be framed after thorough consultation and sent to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. He added that he would not advise people against going to the Raj Bhavan and encouraged them to seek resolution for their issues wherever possible, whether through the Raj Bhavan, local MLAs, or officials.
The media interaction, held under the banner “Engaging Perspectives,” was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, and Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, along with other cabinet members.
