Waris Fayaz
Gulmarg, Jun 24: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday firmly stated that statehood is not a favor granted to elected representatives, but a constitutional and democratic right of the people of the region.
While speaking to reporters in Gulmarg, Omar reacted sharply to recent media reports that claimed statehood would be restored only after fresh Assembly elections. He questioned the intent behind such reports.
“I read in a newspaper that statehood will return, but only post-elections. Let them conduct elections—who’s stopping them?” Omar remarked.
He dismissed the claims as “planted stories” meant to spread misinformation and portray elected legislators as barriers to progress.
“These narratives are being pushed to suggest that MLAs will avoid elections and prefer to complete five-year terms. But I want to make it clear—statehood is the right of the people, not a bargaining chip for legislators or governments. We are not an obstacle,” he emphasized.
Omar also responded to what he described as threats of dissolving the Assembly in retaliation to their statehood demands. “If that’s the threat, go ahead. The day statehood is restored, I will personally ask the Governor to dissolve the Assembly. But stop issuing threats,” he said.
Calling for an end to speculative media narratives, Omar urged the central government to honor its promises. “These planted stories won’t fool anyone. People understand the reality. Statehood must be restored unconditionally and without delay—it is our rightful claim,” he concluded. (KNO)
