Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Monday that he is maintaining continuous communication with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding several significant pending matters between the Union Territory and the Central Government. These discussions encompass the restoration of statehood, the approval of business rules, and the crucial appointment of the Advocate General, a position that has remained vacant for an extended period.
Omar Abdullah conveyed this information to reporters, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue. “I am in constant communication with the Home Minister. There are several issues between Jammu and Kashmir and the Central Government that are regularly discussed,” he said. Responding to inquiries about a recent meeting with Shah in New Delhi, the Chief Minister indicated that a number of important matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir are awaiting resolution.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that among the key issues under discussion are the restoration of statehood, the formal approval of business rules, and the appointment of the Advocate General, which has been pending for nearly two years. Additionally, the reservation report is also a subject of ongoing deliberations. The Chief Minister noted that the Cabinet had previously responded to queries raised by the Centre, but the report is yet to be officially forwarded to the Union Government.
Abdullah further commented on the broader political climate, drawing a parallel with the demolition of a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur district. He alleged that decisions were being made in a selective manner, suggesting a bias in their application. “They cannot see our papers. Others have papers and even if they do not, no action is taken against them. Decisions are being made on the basis of religion,” he stated, as reported by the Tribune India.
When questioned about the alleged assault on two Muslim women journalists, Omar Abdullah described the incident as unfortunate. He expressed deep concern over what he characterized as the marginalization of Muslims, who are being treated as outsiders. “The way Muslims are treated as outsiders, whether it is through the demolition of mosques or incidents of assault, is extremely unfortunate. Such things should not happen,” he remarked, according to the Tribune India report.
The Chief Minister also called for a thorough investigation into threats that have reportedly been issued against members of the Kashmiri Pandit community. He highlighted that individuals, whether government employees or private citizens working in various capacities, have been targeted solely due to their ethnicity or religion. “Whether they are government employees or private citizens working in a chemist shop, a dhaba or a bank, people have been targeted purely because of their ethnicity or religion. This is something we cannot afford,” Abdullah emphasized, as per the Tribune India.
Reflecting on the past, Omar Abdullah referenced the migration of Kashmiri Pandits in the early 1990s, stating that Jammu and Kashmir had already endured significant hardship due to the turmoil of that period. He expressed his hope that the security establishment would treat these threats with the utmost seriousness, conduct comprehensive investigations, identify those responsible, and ensure that the law is applied impartially. The ongoing dialogue between the J&K administration and the central government on these multifaceted issues underscores the complex challenges facing the region.
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.