Srinagar, Sept 24 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir should not be punished because the BJP failed to win the recent elections. He stressed that statehood is a constitutional right and cannot be linked to any party’s success or failure.
Omar Abdullah said his government’s main aim was to address people’s problems in a “normal way” through direct feedback. “People come with issues related to development, transfers, social welfare schemes and other matters. Our initiative to resolve these has been very successful, and we are strengthening it further,” he said.
According to KNS, CM said, “The Supreme Court was told that there will be a three-step process delimitation, elections and then statehood. Delimitation has taken place, elections were held, and people participated. Unfortunately, BJP did not win, but that cannot be a reason to deny statehood. This is injustice.”
He accused the BJP of opposing the restoration of statehood. “It was never said that J&K will get statehood only if BJP wins. If the BJP fights against statehood, it is fighting against the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he remarked.
On tourism, Abdullah said arrivals had increased by 20 percent but not to the level expected. “We were hoping for more tourists from places like Kolkata and West Bengal, but that has not happened yet. Still, our efforts will continue,” he added.
Referring to recent controversies, he questioned the basis of certain arrests. “I fail to understand how writing three simple words can become a reason for arrest. If other religions can write about their leaders, why is it illegal for us?” he asked, urging the courts to intervene.
Abdullah also hit back at the BJP’s criticism in the Assembly. “The job of the opposition is to oppose. If the BJP’s Leader of Opposition praises the National Conference government, it would be unusual. Their criticism only proves that we are working sincerely,” he said.(KNS)
