Omar Abdullah has launched a signature campaign across Jammu and Kashmir, advocating for the restoration of statehood while reflecting on the challenges faced since the region’s transition to a Union Territory.
Srinagar: On the morning of Independence Day, Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, stood once again at Bakshi Stadium. Eleven years prior, he had addressed the gathering as the elected head of a state. This time, however, he spoke as the Chief Minister of a Union Territory.
Abdullah’s address diverged from the usual themes of development and celebration, as he announced the start of a signature campaign. “For the next eight weeks,” he declared, “we will travel across all 90 constituencies. We will go to every village and every mohalla. We will ask for one thing—the restoration of statehood.”
The campaign, he emphasized, was not about seeking power or position. “If we fail, I will accept that. But I believe the people want their state back. We will take these signatures to Delhi, to the court. Only then will I rest,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
Before delving into the campaign, Abdullah expressed his condolences regarding the recent cloudburst in Kishtwar, which resulted in over 60 fatalities and left more than 100 injured. He noted that rescue operations were still ongoing and promised government support for the victims’ families. He also pledged to investigate any potential administrative lapses, saying, “We owe that to the people.”
Midway through his address, Abdullah reflected on the significant changes that had occurred since he last stood at the stadium. “I was confused about what to say,” he admitted. “The last time I stood here, I was Chief Minister of a state. We had an Assembly that made decisions and a Cabinet that implemented them. We had our flag, our constitution, and our laws.”
He paused before adding, “Today, I am Chief Minister of a Union Territory.” Abdullah explained that the difference was not merely nominal but practical. “Cabinet decisions are passed, but many don’t get cleared. Some files don’t return. Some disappear.”
Despite assurances that the transition to a Union Territory would be smooth, he confessed, “It is more difficult than I thought.” Abdullah pointed to a recent observation by the Supreme Court, stating that the bureaucracy must answer to the government, and the government must answer to the people. “But here, that chain is broken,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between the administration and the electorate.
He argued that officials are not accountable to the elected government, which exacerbates the gap between the administration and the people. “This UT system cannot function in its current form. If the government is elected, then it must have the right to govern,” he asserted.
Addressing a recent Supreme Court hearing on statehood, Abdullah recalled references to the Pahalgam attack, stating, “We were told that the Pahalgam incident cannot be ignored. I agree. But should we be punished for it again?” He reminded the audience that the attackers had already been dealt with under Operation Sindoor. “Now that same attack is being used to delay statehood. This was not the fault of an elected government. Over the years, we reduced such incidents not by chance, but by hard work.”
He stressed that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have consistently stood with victims, never with attackers. “This should not be used as an excuse to deny us our rights,” he said emphatically.
Abdullah highlighted various achievements in areas such as youth schemes, health, and education. He noted that the Assembly had passed resolutions on Article 370, development funds, and local governance. However, he acknowledged that their impact has been limited. “We are accountable to the Assembly, and MLAs are accountable to the people. But where is the accountability of the administration?”
He recognized that many had hoped for a positive announcement from New Delhi this Independence Day. “Even I hoped. But nothing came. Again,” he lamented, his voice softening as he asked the audience, “Are we better now? After six years of silence, are we?”
There was no reply from the crowd, underscoring the sentiment of disappointment.
As he concluded his speech, Abdullah outlined the plan for the signature campaign, which will reach all 20 districts. Party workers and representatives will go door-to-door, collecting signatures and thumb impressions from those unable to write. “We have tried everything—letters, meetings, resolutions,” he said. “Now we will visit every Assembly segment, every household. No individual will be left out.”
He reminded the audience that the Supreme Court had set an eight-week timeline for deliberations on statehood. “We will not let these weeks go to waste. This is the people’s cause, and we will take it forward together,” he concluded, rallying support for the initiative.
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