Srinagar, Jul 8 ; Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday made a fervent appeal to the Centre to immediately restore statehood to the Union Territory, asserting that civil society across the region is united on the demand and “it is too late to delay” any further.
Addressing reporters here, CM Omar as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said a meeting of around 170 representatives from diverse fields—including religious leaders, traders, retired bureaucrats, educationists, and transporters—was convened, where participants unanimously pressed for statehood restoration.
“Everyone, without any exception, emphasized that it is too late to return to statehood. The Markaz (Centre) should not delay any longer,” CM Omar said, adding that his party’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 has received backing from these civil society members.
The Chief Minister said a resolution has been passed calling on the Government of India to immediately restore statehood. Invitations for the protest would be sent to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir—both those currently in the assembly and those that have had representation in the past, he said, adding that NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah would also write to all India bloc leaders and other parties like AAP, Akali Dal, BJD, and Mayawati’s party.
On administrative appointments, CM Omar Abdullah acknowledged that filling vacancies of doctors, teachers, and lecturers is taking longer than before due to increased scrutiny by central agencies.
“Nowadays, it takes more time to fill these posts than before. I don’t remember CID playing such a big role in appointments during our time as it does today. More time is spent on PSE and CID. But it is not in our hands,” he said, adding that appointment orders have been issued and will soon be effective.
Responding to a report highlighting 1,544 schools functioning with single teachers, CM Omar clarified it was an old UDICE report and not reflective of the current situation.
The Chief Minister said he spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding weather-related difficulties in the Chenab region and Kathua areas. “The Home Minister had called to ask about the situation, and I gave him all the information,” he said.
On India’s suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, CM Omar Abdullah reiterated his party’s long-standing opposition to the pact but refrained from elaborating. “There has been no escalation from here. India has suspended the treaty. I will not answer that question from here,” he said.
On the Amarnath Yatra, CM Omar Abdullah said a Supreme Court-mandated cap on daily visitors is binding on the Shrine Board. Reacting to concerns over the early melting of the Shiv Ling at the holy cave, he remarked, “This is God’s work. Neither you nor I can decide how many days it stays.”
When asked about manpower shortage at SKIMS, CM Omar directed queries to the Lieutenant Governor, stating, “Because we don’t know the SKIMS files.” (KNS)
