‘This resolution will open doors not close them; Real compromise was done by PDP by bringing BJP to J&K’
TDD Special Correspondent
Srinagar, (TDD): Jammu and Kashmir UT’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday stated that the resolution on special status, passed by the Legislative Assembly, was not a compromise and was drafted in a manner that ensures the Centre does not disregard it.
Speaking during the motion of thanks for the Lieutenant Governor’s address in the Legislative Assembly, Omar responded to claims made by certain members that the resolution passed was a “compromise.”
“There’s no compromise. Late Mufti Muhammad Sayeed entered an alliance with BJP, and after his passing, PDP set conditions and sought an Agenda for Alliance. BJP kept PDP waiting for three months,” Omar said, according to the Diplomat. “When the government was formed with BJP, PDP worked on the same salary.”
Omar remarked that it was due to such compromises that J&K reached its current state. “They claim we were part of the BJP as well. Yes, I admit, we were, but not in this context. We were in alliance with the BJP at the Centre to ensure they didn’t reach J&K,” Omar said. “When by-elections were held in Jammu, NC fielded its own candidate and won. Perhaps that was the reason for BJP to cut some Jammu areas, which are now part of Anantnag.”
He recalled that when the special status resolution was passed, opposition leaders from Kashmir were seen thumping tables. “I believe, due to the ruckus created by BJP, they didn’t even read the resolution. They came to my chamber, hugged me, and congratulated me. And until the House was adjourned, they hadn’t even read it,” Omar said. “These same opposition leaders told me it was historic and later claimed it was a compromise.”
Omar emphasized that the resolution was drafted carefully to ensure the Centre doesn’t dismiss it. “Today, Home Minister (Amit Shah) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other senior ministers of the Government of India, are talking about it. If this resolution were weak, why would they mention it? The fact is, this Assembly passed a historic resolution that opens doors rather than closing them,” said the Chief Minister.
Omar expressed his lack of expectations from the current government at the Centre. “The road map is set for the next government, whether it’s us or another party,” he added.
Omar admitted at times he regrets how much J&K has lost. “But what keeps me going is the enthusiasm within. I will not allow even a single day to be wasted and will ensure something is achieved for the people of J&K,” the Chief Minister said.
Omar highlighted the first session’s duration of five days, stating that the time was short. “But it was historic, and a historic resolution was passed. I thank all the voters of J&K, who participated in large numbers in the recent elections, regardless of who they voted for,” Omar said. “The voters queued up and voted in large numbers. I assure them that the Assembly will reflect their aspirations. This House belongs to all voters, even those who did not vote.”
Omar mentioned they wanted a detailed discussion on the LG’s address, with participation from every member.
“We wanted the opposition to discuss why they don’t need constitutional safeguards. Instead of that, we saw a drama. BJP legislators climbed tables and even didn’t spare the secretary’s table. It benefits the government when the opposition creates an uproar,” Omar said.
Omar expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the return of freedom of speech in J&K. “Whether it’s social media or other platforms, those whose pens had stopped writing and whose computer keys had gathered rust are now back, expressing their views after a gap of five years,” he said.
Omar discussed the demand for a change in the academic session. “The exam schedule had been altered without consulting parents and students. I am thankful to Education Minister Sakina Itoo, who reviewed the matter and reversed the decision, restoring it to the November-December session,” he said.
Omar explained how the verification process, especially CID verification for jobs and passports, was weaponized. “My government is working to ease the verification process for the relief of people,” he added.
Omar noted that J&K, as a Union Territory, does not have control over law and order. “But that doesn’t mean we have a rift with the police or any other security agency. The government supports the police and security forces in establishing peace. Without peace, development cannot occur. There are two ways to establish peace: through force, which involves arrests and creating fear, or through people’s partnership. I have chosen the second approach,” he said.
Omar stated that once J&K regains full statehood, his government will work to secure the release of prisoners who do not have serious charges against them. “At present, it’s not under our jurisdiction, but once we regain our powers, we will pursue this issue,” he said. (TDD)
