Srinagar, Aug 25 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced frustration Tuesday over what he described as the indefinite delay in the restoration of statehood, saying the issue is being “dragged” in the absence of a clear timeline from India’s Supreme Court, reported by GK News.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre, Omar said the statehood question remains stalled after the Supreme Court declined a plea for urgent hearing this week, setting October 10 as the next date.
“We don’t want this decision to get delayed further,” Omar said. “We have been in government for more than ten months, and from the very first day, we have pressed for the restoration of statehood.”
He recalled that his cabinet’s first decision was to pass a resolution demanding the return of statehood. “When I met the Prime Minister after forming the government, the first thing I did was hand him that resolution,” Omar said.
But nearly a year on, he said, people have yet to see any benefit. “If the Supreme Court had not given a fixed timeline for holding Assembly elections, I would not be standing here as Chief Minister today. Unfortunately, no such timeline exists for restoring statehood—and that is why we are being dragged into uncertainty.”
Omar expressed hope that after the October hearing, the court would finally impose a timeline. “People of Jammu and Kashmir have waited long enough,” he said.
Asked about former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s protest in Srinagar demanding the release of prisoners, Omar said the matter must be raised with New Delhi. “Decisions about J&K’s security are made by the Union Home Ministry. If they truly want results, they should take it up there. Otherwise, such protests are just for show.”
He also noted that the National Conference’s signature campaign for statehood was underway and would be presented to both the Centre and the court once completed.
Earlier, Omar urged greater awareness of welfare schemes, stressing that most applications can now be filed online. “It is the responsibility of the Social Welfare Department to spread the message to every corner of J&K,” he said.
