Omar seeks support from national parties on statehood

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Aug 6: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that he has written to several political parties, with significant representation in Parliament, urging them to support the introduction of a bill for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood during the ongoing monsoon session.
Addressing reporters here, Omar said, “I have written letters to parties that have a large number of MPs in Parliament. I have requested them to raise the issue of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir with urgency and ensure that the bill is brought forward in this session.”

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The Chief Minister emphasized that the demand for statehood is not about individual or party interests but a collective promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “This assurance was made publicly, in Parliament, and even before the Supreme Court. It is time that this promise is honoured,” he added.
Omar also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to hear the matter on August 8. “It is a positive sign that the date has been fixed. The court had earlier said that statehood should be restored at the earliest. It has been years, but we are still waiting,” he said. Referring to the previous court directive that led to timely elections, Abdullah noted, “Had the court not set a date for elections, I wouldn’t be speaking to you today as Chief Minister. We now hope the same urgency is shown regarding statehood.”
Commenting on the security situation, he said that the tourist numbers are steadily increasing. “The Amarnath Yatra went smoothly, with nearly 4 lakh pilgrims completing the pilgrimage from Baltal and Pahalgam. We now hope that more tourists from across the country will visit and be treated with hospitality,” he said.
On the recent flash floods in Uttarakhand, the CM expressed grief and drew parallels with Kashmir. “The situation there is similar to ours. Look at what happened in Ramban recently. Thankfully, there was only material loss, but the changing weather patterns and environmental degradation pose serious risks. We must address this urgently,” he said, extending solidarity to the people and Government of Uttarakhand.

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