SRINAGAR, Apr 15:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday criticized the Union Territory (UT) status of the region, saying it has severely weakened administrative efficiency and accountability.
Speaking at a public event in Rohmoo, Pulwama, where he inaugurated a bridge reconstructed after being damaged in the 2014 floods, Omar said the restoration was long overdue. “Dedicating this bridge to the people after 11 years is just the beginning. We have a long list of unfinished projects that we are committed to complete over the next five years,” he said.
Reflecting on his earlier tenure when Jammu and Kashmir was a full-fledged state, the Chief Minister drew a sharp contrast between the past and present governance frameworks. “Earlier, when I instructed officials to carry out a task, they would come up with ten different solutions. Today, under the UT setup, the same officials offer ten different excuses for not doing it,” he remarked.
Omar reaffirmed his party’s stand against the August 5, 2019 decision that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood. “In our very first Assembly session, we passed a resolution rejecting that move and demanding its reversal. The same resolution was later handed over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in our first cabinet meeting,” he said.
He addressed criticism that the party’s ultimate goal is not limited to statehood. “We have never said that restoring statehood is our final aim. It is a crucial step toward achieving our broader objectives,” Omar explained, stressing that the current political climate was appropriate for the restoration of statehood.
Referring to a recent interaction with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the region, Omar expressed optimism. “Six months have passed since the elections. I had a detailed discussion with the Home Minister, and I am hopeful that statehood will be restored soon,” he said.
Pledging to safeguard local rights, Omar announced plans to introduce legislation reserving jobs for local youth. He cited Himachal Pradesh’s model, where 70 percent of private-sector jobs are reserved for residents, and questioned why Jammu and Kashmir couldn’t adopt a similar policy. “If our neighboring state can prioritize its own people, why can’t we?” he asked.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the need for local ownership of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural resources, including its minerals.
Highlighting his government’s early achievements, Omar said several poll promises have already been fulfilled. These include free electricity and ration for economically weaker sections, and free bus travel for women. “People won’t have to wait five years. We’re committed to delivering results quickly,” he assured.
