Omar Abdullah Calls for Fulfillment of Statehood Promise for J&K; Pledged for ‘Darbar Move’ revival
We want restoration of full-statehood to J&K as promised: CM Omar; Pledged for Darbar Move revival
Jammu, Dec 9: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday reiterated the demand for “restoration of full statehood to J&K” as promised multiple times and stated that “dual power centres were not beneficial for any government.”
About the issue of restoration of water and power supply to Rohingyas settled in Jammu outskirts, CM Omar said that they were human beings and would be treated likewise, as long as they were there (in J&K). He asserted that in any case, the Centre was supposed to take a call about them (regarding deportation or otherwise).
He was responding to the media queries outside the Chamber House following a meeting there. “Yes, we want statehood. We need statehood and we demand it. This has been promised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not once but multiple times, publicly; inside the Parliament and the Supreme Court. Several times this assurance has been given that full statehood will be restored to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
“Dual power centres are not beneficial for any government. That is why in any state, this kind of system is not in place. There is a single power centre. Jammu and Kashmir also reserves this right. It should have a full state(hood). People have elected a government and that government should be allowed to work (smoothly),” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday pledged the revival of Darbar Move, the bi-annual shift of the civil secretariat and all other government offices of J&K from one capital city (Srinagar and Jammu) to another, which operated from 1872 till 2021.
Speaking at an event organised by the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) at its office, the CM highlighted the positive impact of the now-defunct Darbar Move on Jammu’s vibrancy.
“The hallmark of Jammu city was the biannual Darbar Move. For six months, people from Kashmir would work here, creating a lively environment. It fostered interaction between people from both sides of the mountains, whether at Wave Mall, Residency Road, or Gole Market. I assure you that we will resume the Darbar Move in the future. Unfortunately, time constraints prevented us from doing so this time,” he said.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to supporting local industries in overcoming the challenges they are currently facing, CM Omar acknowledged the persistent challenges faced by the industrial sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
“There is no shortage of issues. If I were to claim that these problems have only emerged in the past decade, it would be misleading. These challenges are not new, nor are they solely the result of Jammu and Kashmir’s transition into a Union Territory. However, the UT transition has undoubtedly compounded these issues,” he said.
Highlighting the geographical constraints of the region, the CM said, “Several challenges stem from our location. Jammu and Kashmir is situated in a corner of the country. Our market is very small, and our raw material base is limited. An industry that relies on importing raw materials and exporting finished products cannot sustain itself without governmental support.”
Reiterating his government’s responsibility, he said, “When we hold your hand and provide support, it is not a reflection of your helplessness or weakness. It is our responsibility, and we will fulfil it.” On the tourism potential of Jammu, CM Omar emphasised the untapped opportunities presented by the large number of yatris visiting the region.
“Over a crore yatris visit Jammu for Mata Vaishno Devi shrine every year. If we can successfully divert even 15 percent of them to local tourist destinations, we would gain 15 lakh tourists immediately. We have managed the entire tourism economy of Kashmir with just 15 lakh tourists,” he said.
The CM stressed the need to showcase Jammu’s unique cultural heritage. “Our Dogra culture is a treasure unique to Jammu. Our traditions, food, and specialities are unmatched and must be leveraged as key selling points for tourism,” he said.
Discussing the impact of industrial packages, CM Omar cautioned against their transient nature. “Industries attracted solely by packages stay only as long as the incentives last. Once the benefits end, they pack up and leave. The industries that endure are those rooted in this land, run by people who are inherently connected to it,” he said.
The CM also highlighted the challenges related to lease agreements for institutions and businesses. “Today, schools on leased land are being asked to produce 10-year leases, failing which their registration will not be renewed. Similarly, hotels on leased land cannot even make minor repairs due to the absence of valid leases. These issues need immediate attention,” he said.
CM Omar assured his government’s commitment to addressing industrial concerns. “Whatever issues you want us to raise with the Finance Minister, please provide me with a detailed note. We will take them up with the Government of India and work toward tangible solutions,” he said. On the occasion, CM Omar was felicitated for assuming office as the Chief Minister of J&K.
Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary; Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Javed Ahmad Rana; Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo and JCCI President, Arun Gupta also attended the event.
Senior officials including the Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Principal Secretary Finance, Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce, and Director Industries and Commerce Jammu were also present on the occasion.
On Rohingya’s
Responding to a question about Rohingyas in Jammu, the Chief Minister described it as a “humanitarian issue.” “There is a humanitarian issue (related to Rohingyas). The central government has to take a call on what is to be done for them or how to deal with their issue. If they have to be sent back; then take that call (send them back). If you can do it (send them back), do it. But if you cannot send them back, you cannot let them starve to death here,” Omar said.
“You cannot leave them to die in chilling winters. The Government of India should tell – what is to be done with them. As long as they are there, you will have to take care of them, to say the least,” he stated.
“We did not bring them to settle here. They were brought and settled here. If the policy of the Centre (central government) has changed then take them away and put them (Rohingyas) where they (helmsmen at the Centre) wish to… But as long as they are here, they cannot be treated like animals. They are human beings and they should be treated likewise,” he asserted.
On Ties With Bangladesh
When asked about assaults on minorities in Bangladesh and foreign secretaries meeting, the Chief Minister said that bilateral ties between the two nations had turned a bit strained.
“Yes, some tension is there in India and Bangladesh’s relationship in the wake of the prevailing situation (there). Foreign Secretaries are holding meetings and attempts are being made to improve the situation. That (Bangladesh) is our neighbouring nation. It was (Atal Behari) Vajpayee Sahib who had stated – we can change friends but not the neighbours,” the Chief Minister said.
“Our relations with our neighbours remain amiable – perhaps this is our compulsion also and this is an ideal scenario as well. This should be our effort as well that our relationship with the neighbouring nations should be cordial to have a situation sans tension,” he said.
About reports about INDIA bloc members promoting the name of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as its (Bloc’s) chairperson, CM Omar said, “After (LS) elections, no meeting of INDIA bloc has taken place so far. So how come the question arises vis-a-vis change of leadership.”
“Let the meeting take place, if during deliberations there, Mamata Banerjee Sahiba wants to chair the bloc and stakes claim for it. Decisions can be taken there following deliberations. So far no meeting has occurred after elections, so the question of change of leadership does not arise,” he asserted.
