Restore Statehood To Avoid “Disaster,” Says J&K CM Omar Abdullah By [SUJJAD REHMAN] December 14, 2024 -

Restore Statehood to Avoid “Disaster,” Says J&K CM Omar Abdullah

New Delhi, December 13, 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has called for the swift restoration of statehood to the Union Territory, describing the current dual governance model as a “recipe for disaster.” In an exclusive interview with PTI on Friday, Abdullah criticized the shared power arrangement between his office and the lieutenant governor, emphasizing the challenges of divided authority in a region grappling with complex political and social issues.

Abdullah, who took office in October 2024, expressed cautious optimism about the Centre’s promises to restore statehood. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly assured the people of J&K that statehood would be restored. I urge the Centre to fulfill this commitment without further delay,” he stated.

Challenges of Dual Leadership

Abdullah’s remarks shed light on the inherent difficulties of the dual governance model currently in place in Jammu and Kashmir. While the elected Chief Minister heads the civilian government, significant powers remain vested in the lieutenant governor, who represents the Centre.

“Having two power centres leads to conflicting priorities and creates confusion in decision-making. This is not an ideal setup for effective governance, especially in a region as sensitive as Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah remarked. He stressed that the lack of a unified administrative structure hampers development efforts and erodes public trust in governance.

The Statehood Debate

The demand for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood has been a central political issue since the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. While the Centre has made several promises to return statehood “at an appropriate time,” no definitive timeline has been provided.

“Restoring statehood is not just a political demand; it is about giving the people of Jammu and Kashmir their due rights and a sense of dignity,” Abdullah asserted. He added that the move would enable a more robust administrative framework and foster greater accountability.

Cautious Optimism Amid Uncertainty

Despite his concerns, Abdullah expressed some confidence in the Centre’s intentions, citing repeated assurances made during election campaigns. “We’ve heard the promises. Now, we need action. The people of J&K deserve clarity and progress,” he said.

The Chief Minister’s comments come at a time when the region is navigating a complex political landscape, marked by demands for greater autonomy, security concerns, and developmental challenges.

Political and Public Reactions

Abdullah’s candid remarks have sparked a debate among political observers. While some see his statements as a bold call for reform, others view them as a strategic move to pressure the Centre into taking decisive action.

Political analyst Prof. Nisar Ahmed noted, “Omar Abdullah’s stand resonates with a large section of J&K’s population, who feel alienated under the current governance model. His call for statehood restoration is timely and necessary.”

Meanwhile, public sentiment remains divided. Many residents support the restoration of statehood, citing aspirations for greater self-governance and identity, while others urge the focus to remain on economic development and security.

A Call for Unity

Concluding the interview, Abdullah urged all stakeholders to work together for the region’s welfare. “Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford any more delays. We need stability, clarity, and a leadership structure that prioritizes the people above all else,” he said.

As the debate around statehood intensifies, Abdullah’s remarks underline the urgency of addressing Jammu and Kashmir’s unique governance challenges, setting the stage for crucial political decisions in the months ahead.

Author Profile

Geo National

Hi, I am Sajjad Rehman, the Chief Editor of Geo National News. With over 4 years of experience in news content writing, I have honed my skills in delivering accurate, engaging, and timely news. As a passionate writer, I am dedicated to creating content that informs, educates, and keeps readers updated on current events. My journey in the world of journalism continues to inspire me to craft compelling narratives and bring news stories to life.