Discussions on restoring statehood to J-K should conclude soon: Omar

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that discussions of statehood restoration to Jammu and Kashmir should conclude soon.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Omar — while responding to a question — stated, “Let the discussions (on statehood restoration) continue. But we would like to end these discussions as soon as possible and get what we are asking for.”

The issue of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a heated debate in the UT with NC leaders stating that the dual governance system was bringing no good to Jammu and Kashmir.

National Conference president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah said on Monday that statehood is “the right of the people” in Jammu and Kashmir and is “not a favour.”

Earlier, Abdullah said that his party would have no option but to move the Supreme Court if there is an inordinate delay in the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

To another question, Omar Abdullah welcomed the announcement of several projects, including tunnels by the central government, this week. He said it would give the state a lot of boost. “You see, the Mughal Road Tunnel was being asked for a long time. Since the road was completed in 2008-09, people have been saying that this road should run for 12 months a year and a tunnel should be built for it,” he said.

“The budget for the tunnel was approved. In the same way, people have been asking for the Sadhana Pass Tunnel (north Kashmir) for a long time. It was also approved.”

He added, “Along with that, many other projects…Rs 10,600 crore is not an ordinary amount. Now, we will have to try to talk about the tunnels of the remaining areas, including Gurez and some other areas.”

J & K