Srinagar, Oct 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday renewed his demand for the early restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, asserting that it would empower the elected government to better serve the people and fulfil its promises made during last year’s assembly polls.
Speaking to reporters in Kulgam, Abdullah said he had expected the Centre to honour its commitment to restore statehood, as assured in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. “We are hoping for more powers, and that is why we stress on the restoration of statehood — because it is a promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, adding that his government would continue to press for it.
On PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s reported conditions for supporting the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha polls, Abdullah said it is up to the Speaker to decide which private member bills are taken up. “My government will not stand in the way of any bill that benefits the people,” he said, adding that there are established legislative procedures to follow.
Referring to the revival of the Darbar Move, Abdullah said the promise made to the people has been fulfilled. “The decision was taken by the Cabinet three weeks ago and approved by the LG. For the first time since 2021, Jammu and Srinagar are being reconnected through the Darbar Move,” he said.
The chief minister also confirmed that the Cabinet sub-committee report on reservation reforms has been accepted and will be processed for final approval.
On compensation for fruit growers hit by crop losses, Abdullah said discussions were underway with the Centre for a special relief package similar to other states.
Responding to a question on revoking Covid-era FIRs, he said law and order powers were still not with his government but assured that “such promises will be fulfilled once we regain those powers.”
Earlier, Abdullah virtually inaugurated key urban infrastructure projects in Kulgam, including a Solid Waste Management Facility, Municipal Shopping Complex, and Modern Abattoir. He also chaired a review meeting on district development, urging officials to ensure uninterrupted winter services, fast-track infrastructure restoration, and meet project deadlines.
