Seven years after the abrogation of Article 370, the wounds in Jammu and Kashmir have still not healed, stated Omar Abdullah, a prominent political leader, while in Poonch. He reiterated his long-standing demand for the restoration of statehood, expressing disappointment that a promise made by the central government remains unfulfilled. Abdullah made these remarks to reporters during a visit to Poonch to assess the rehabilitation efforts following recent flash floods that claimed over 25 lives in the Jammu region.
Speaking on the seventh anniversary of the revocation of Article 370, Abdullah conveyed, “Our wounds have not healed even after seven years… we had thought that at least the promise of statehood made by the central government will be fulfilled. It happened on August 5, 2019 and it is 2026, but we are still awaiting the promise of statehood to be fulfilled.” Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Abdullah’s stance remains firm, echoing sentiments expressed during the passage of a resolution in the Assembly, where he asserted the commitment to seeking justice for perceived injustices inflicted upon the region.
Earlier, through a post on the social media platform X, Abdullah articulated his enduring sentiment, writing, “7 years, we haven’t forgotten and we haven’t reconciled, far less accepted our current circumstances. My party and I remain committed to reversing all that was done to J&K that took away our rights and threatens our identity.” He concluded his post with a poignant quote from American poet Robert Frost’s ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’: “The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep…”
Abdullah’s visit to Poonch on Wednesday was focused on understanding the ground situation in areas affected by flash floods and landslides, which were exacerbated by heavy rainfall. During his tour, he engaged with bereaved families in Murrah, Surankote, and Arigam-Loran, offering assurances of government support in navigating the aftermath of the tragedy. At Murrah, he visited the residence of Mohammad Latif, who tragically lost eight family members in the flash floods. Offering his deepest sympathies, Abdullah prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and for strength to the grieving family to cope with their irreparable loss.
In Surankote, Abdullah interacted with families impacted by the disaster and met with a delegation representing Sangla, Darra Sangla, and Lower Sangla. Subsequently, Abdullah visited Arigam-Loran, a locality where seven individuals perished in the flash floods. Announcing a significant rehabilitation measure, he stated that families who have been rendered landless as a consequence of the disaster would be provided with five-marla plots for their resettlement. The Chief Minister acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the disaster, lamenting that cloudbursts continue to be challenging to predict with current technological capabilities.
Abdullah indicated that the government would actively explore the adoption of advanced early-warning technologies. The objective of integrating such technologies is to enhance disaster preparedness and to minimize the loss of lives and property in future events. This proactive approach aims to bolster the region’s resilience against natural calamities, particularly those of an unpredictable nature like cloudbursts. The emphasis on technological advancement underscores a commitment to leveraging innovation for public safety and welfare in Jammu and Kashmir. The ongoing efforts in Poonch highlight the immediate need for both relief and long-term rehabilitation strategies in the wake of such devastating natural events. The political discourse surrounding statehood restoration continues to be a significant undercurrent in the region’s affairs, as articulated by Abdullah’s persistent calls for justice and the reversal of actions that he believes have undermined the region’s rights and identity.
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.