Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Sunday that the prevailing conditions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have solidified his conviction that the 1947 decision by J&K’s leaders to accede to India was the correct one. He further asserted that had the special constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, as enshrined in Article 370, not been abrogated in 2019, individuals residing across the Line of Control (LoC) would likely be advocating for reunification with the Union Territory.
Speaking at the 80th Independence Day ceremony held at Bakhshi Stadium in Srinagar, where he reviewed a ceremonial parade and march-past, Abdullah remarked, “When I observe the situation across the border and the Line of Control (LoC), I realize that our ancestors who declared ‘hamlavar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar’ (Attackers beware, Kashmiris are prepared) were right. I recognize that the decision our leaders made for us 80 years ago was the correct one.” Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Abdullah views the people across the LoC not as outsiders but as integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that the J&K Legislative Assembly has consistently maintained vacant seats designated for representatives from that region, reflecting a hope for their eventual participation.
Abdullah also reiterated his administration’s demand for the restoration of statehood, emphasizing the National Conference-led government’s commitment to re-establishing the constitutional guarantees and special status previously enjoyed by Jammu and Kashmir. “Whether it is to elevate J&K to its former standing, to reinstate its constitutional guarantees, to regain its special status, or to inaugurate a new era of progress in J&K, your government is not only pledging these outcomes but is determined to make them a reality,” he declared. The Chief Minister affirmed the government’s dedication to restoring J&K’s constitutional safeguards, securing statehood, and fostering a new phase of development.
He articulated that the administration’s endeavors are focused on ensuring that every young person in every village can perceive a sense of optimism and feel that Jammu and Kashmir is transitioning from a state of uncertainty toward a more promising future. “We will continue to represent you. We will continue to serve you. We will continue to undertake our work to bring J&K to that level,” Abdullah assured the public, pledging that the government would diligently work to transform their aspirations into tangible achievements. He also paid tribute to the sacrifice of Master Abdul Aziz, a National Conference leader who was reportedly killed in Muzaffarabad while resisting a tribal incursion.
Addressing the broader principle of federalism, Abdullah underscored that democracy and federalism stand as significant strengths of India and require continuous preservation, reinforcement, and deepening. “Our country is a Union of States,” he stated, asserting that the strengthening of federalism is contingent upon empowering the states and respecting their constitutionally defined powers and responsibilities. He posited that any erosion of state powers or encroachment by central agencies into domains reserved for the states undermines the federal structure.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister stressed the critical need to rebuild public confidence in recruitment and admission processes. He observed that while trust can be lost instantaneously, its restoration necessitates years of consistent and concerted effort. The Chief Minister’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions regarding the political and constitutional future of Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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