Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday expressed hope that the Centre would restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood at the earliest, emphasising his belief that the Union Territory status is only a temporary arrangement.
He made these remarks while addressing the media in Srinagar, marking his first press interaction since assuming office as the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I firmly believe that the Union Territory status of Jammu and Kashmir is temporary,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir participated overwhelmingly in the Assembly Elections held in October last year and it was even praised by the central leadership also.
“Now we the people of Jammu and Kashmir expect from the centre to reciprocate and the biggest promise made to the people is to restore the statehood and hopefully it will not be delayed furthermore”, the Chief Minister said.
Omar Abdullah met the central leadership including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi soon after he took over as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to impress upon them to restore the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Pertinent to mention that Both Prime Minister and Home Minister have assured in the parliament that the statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be restored after the assembly elections.
When asked as to why he didn’t approach the Supreme Court for restoration of Statehood, Omar said “going to the court would be a fight.
“That should be our last option. Our first option is to remind the Central government of their promises. We have the right of recourse to courts,” he said, while terming the restoration of statehood a biggest challenge of his government.
