- Religious-based boundary changes may have serious consequences
- Budget Session, tourist season key challenges ahead
- BCCI order to KKR questioned
- PM urged to respond firmly on killings of Hindus
Jammu Tawi, Jan 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday warned that any further division of Jammu and Kashmir on religious lines could have far-reaching consequences, while strongly criticising BJP leaders for suggesting that Jammu alone may be granted statehood.
Responding to a reporter’s query, Omar said the Centre had already “spoiled Ladakh” by converting it into a Union Territory and questioned why similar ideas were now being floated for Jammu. “They couldn’t effectively administer Ladakh after separating it from Jammu and Kashmir. Why are they now trying to spoil Jammu?” he asked, adding that such statements reflected political failure. “Somewhere their politics has failed. That is why they are now talking about statehood for Jammu,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister also questioned why this proposal was not implemented in 2019, when major changes were carried out in the region. He cautioned against redrawing political boundaries on communal grounds and asked, “On what basis do they want to separate Jammu? On the basis of religion?”
Speaking about governance challenges, Omar said the new year had just begun but uncertainties already loomed large. Recalling developments in 2025, he said several unexpected events had tested the administration. “Nobody anticipated the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, or the heavy rains in August and September. We are still facing the impact,” he said, adding that while governments prepare, many situations arise without warning.
He said the upcoming Budget Session would be a major test for his government, along with the approaching tourist season, which usually begins in March. “Tourism is a big responsibility. We hope it will be successful, but it remains a challenge,” he said, reiterating that restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir remained a key political objective.
Referring to the controversy over admissions at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University Medical College, the Chief Minister said the issue had been unnecessarily politicised, creating uncertainty for students and their families. He suggested that the Health Ministry should consider shutting down the college. “Students admitted there are qualified on merit, but the controversy has made their future uncertain,” he said, adding that he would not want his own children to study in such an environment.
Omar also questioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision directing Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 squad without a public explanation. Noting that India enjoys better relations with Bangladesh than with Pakistan, he asked, “What wrong has Mustafizur Rahman done?” and said there was no terrorism emanating from Bangladesh.
Commenting on reports of killings of Hindus in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said the Prime Minister should respond firmly if such incidents were occurring. “The Prime Minister should speak strongly, the way US President Donald Trump does while dealing with sensitive international issues,” he said.
