Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had committed to restoring the region’s statehood. Abdullah emphasized that the Jammu and Kashmir government should be given the “first opportunity” to restore statehood, rather than pursuing a legal battle.
Speaking at his first press conference since assuming office in November, Abdullah clarified, “Every individual or government can approach the courts, but that should not be the first choice.” He argued that seeking a court intervention for restoring statehood would turn into a “fight,” which should never be the initial step.
Describing it as his “biggest challenge,” Abdullah noted that Jammu and Kashmir runs a deficit budget. “We are more dependent on the Government of India than other states and UTs,” he added.
Addressing concerns about possible dual power centers in the region, Abdullah assured that neither the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, nor anyone from the BJP or Raj Bhavan had pressured the Jammu and Kashmir government to alter its stance. “From day one, the PM and HM have assured me that we have been given the mandate, and there will be no attempt to destabilize the government,” he stated.
He further stated, “The support we gave to the Lieutenant Governor will be extended to you. We will respect the people’s mandate of Jammu and Kashmir.”
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