Muhammad Suhail
Srinagar, Aug 15: Calling for introspection on the 80th Independence Day, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday made a strong case for restoration of statehood, asserting that federalism in the country remains “incomplete” unless states are empowered.
Unfurling the tricolour at the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium here, CM Omar as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said the India envisioned by freedom fighters eight decades ago is yet to be achieved. “Have we really established that India? If not, then what is left to do?” he asked, urging the people to reflect on the country’s journey since 1947.
In his nearly 20-minute address, the Chief Minister remembered the contributions of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in repulsing tribal invaders in 1947, even before the Indian Army arrived in the region. “Those who had weapons used them; those who did not, showed fake guns and fought the intruders. Thousands of brave people sacrificed their lives here,” he said, adding that the decision to accede to India was the “right” one.
CM Omar also paid tributes to National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, calling him the “greatest leader” of Jammu and Kashmir, and said any Independence Day address without remembering him would be “incomplete.”
Referring to Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), he expressed concern over the situation across the Line of Control and said the people there were “our own.” “Even today, seats are reserved for them in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, with the hope that one day those seats will not remain empty,” he said.
The Chief Minister warned against the erosion of federalism, saying central interference in state affairs weakens the democratic structure. “When central agencies start interfering in the affairs of states, when powers of states are eroded, federalism is harmed. And we see the result of this on the streets,” he said, referring to recent protests in Delhi.
He specifically criticised the centralisation of admissions through NEET, NET, and JEE, arguing that while national institutions can have national tests, state-run colleges should retain their own admission rights. He also referred to the 2020 recruitment agitation in Jammu and Kashmir, saying trust in the system must be restored through transparency.
“Whatever was snatched from us should be returned to us,” CM Omar said, in an apparent reference to the statehood demand, adding that strengthening federalism must “start with Jammu and Kashmir.”
He also condemned the recent attack on Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal, saying violence has no place in democracy.
The event was held under tight security arrangements, with senior officials of the civil administration and police in attendance. (KNS)
