Omar Abdullah - NEWS Of KASHMIR

Omar Abdullah Says Reservation Report Cannot Be Made Public Without Lieutenant Governor’s Approval

October 18, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report on rationalization of reservation cannot be made public unless it is approved by the Lieutenant Governor.

Addressing a news conference at a local hotel, the Chief Minister, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he had never stated that the report would be made public within days, but, “I had said that the cabinet sub-committee’s report will be prepared in the shape of a cabinet memo and sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval.”

He said it is illegal to make the report public before it reaches the LG. “It will not happen overnight. No government works under pressure, and I am the last person who you can pressurize.

There is a procedure that is being followed. It is not only impropriety but bordering on illegality to release the information that has not even reached the Lieutenant Governor yet,” he said. He, however, said there is no attempt to hide anything. “Let the cabinet memo be finalized, let it be signed, let it reach the Lieutenant Governor. There is no attempt to hide and delay anything.

We have completed our process. It is a matter of days that the Lieutenant Governor signs the cabinet memo, and all information will be put before the people, but we are not going to bypass the procedure just because somebody thinks they can exert pressure,” he said—(KNO)

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Omar Abdullah Says BJP Can’t Win Even One Seat, Calls Rajya Sabha Polls a Test of Hidden Alliances

October 14, 2025October 14, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that the party cannot win even a single Rajya Sabha (RS) seat from Jammu and Kashmir without indulging in horse trading.

He said the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections would be a “true test” to determine which political leaders and parties stand with the BJP and who oppose them.

Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar said, “BJP cannot even win one seat without horse trading. They need 30 MLAs to win the fourth seat, but they have only 28. Anybody who abstains or votes in favour of the BJP will be well known to people who will understand who the true friends of the BJP are and who the opponents are.”

Dismissing speculations about last-minute changes in his party’s candidate list, he clarified that the NC had reserved one seat for Congress as part of their understanding within the INDIA bloc.

“We had kept one seat for Congress. Congress has decided not to field its candidate. We felt that the best chances of winning that seat were with a Congress candidate, but Congress felt otherwise. So be it. We will field four candidates, and this election will be a true test of who is with the BJP and who is against the BJP,” he said.

Responding to the BJP’s claims that NC President Farooq Abdullah was denied a mandate by his party, CM Omar said, “Who says Farooq Sahab was not given a mandate? Does anyone have the guts to say that Farooq Sahab wanted to fight the election but did not get a mandate from the party? He himself has decided to step back. This should not lead to any speculation about Budgam because someone who was not ready to contest the Rajya Sabha election would certainly not subject himself to the rigours of an Assembly election campaign.”

Describing Farooq Abdullah as the “guiding light” of the party, CM Omar said, “He is the tallest and most respected leader of J&K and one of the most respected in the country. His role will remain important regardless of where he is.”

Taking a dig at the BJP’s claims of winning three seats, CM Omar said, “If they are claiming they will win three seats, it is money power, muscle power, and the power of agencies. Otherwise, as numbers stand today, the BJP is not in a position to win even one seat.”

He reiterated that the Rajya Sabha elections would expose those secretly aligned with the BJP.

“Anyone who abstains is a friend of the BJP, and obviously, anyone who votes for the BJP is a friend of the BJP. In three out of the four elections, there are candidates against the BJP. Now let’s see what people do,” CM Omar said.

Commenting on the political landscape ahead of the Budgam by-election, he said, “Every election is a test. No election is straightforward. Nagrota is not straightforward for the BJP, and no by-election is straightforward for any party. The NC will put its best foot forward in Budgam and rely on the wisdom of the voters.”

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Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti Warn Centre After Ladakh Violence, Demand Fulfilment of Promises

September 25, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the situation in Leh should be an eye-opener on how people of Jammu and Kashmir feel about the denial of statehood, even though Ladakh had not been promised one.

He was reacting after the movement for statehood to Ladakh descended into violence, arson, and street clashes here on Wednesday, leaving four people dead and at least 59 injured, including 40 Police personnel.

“Ladakh wasn’t even promised statehood; they celebrated UT status in 2019, and they feel betrayed and angry,” CM Omar posted on his X handle. “Now try to imagine how betrayed and disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully, and responsibly.”

Earlier, talking to reporters here, he said that people of J&K cannot be punished for the defeat faced by the BJP in the last Assembly elections.

The CM said that the biggest challenge for the government was its working without statehood.

“Even the Supreme Court was told that this will be a three-step process. First there will be delimitation, then election, then restoration of statehood,” he said.

CM Omar said that besides delimitation, assembly elections were also held with massive public participation.

“It was the BJP’s bad luck that they could not win. But the people of J&K cannot be punished for that. Somewhere it seems that because the BJP could not form a government here, that is why the people of J&K will not get statehood,” he said. “But this is an injustice with the people of J&K because nowhere was it said that if the results are in favour of the BJP, then you will get statehood.”

The CM said that only the BJP was opposing the restoration of statehood to J&K.

Referring to the downfall in tourist footfall, he said they kept trying to start tourism again and expected that tourists from West Bengal, Calcutta, and other states would start coming again.

“But the number we were hoping for, that number has not yet come. Our efforts will continue. Let us see what happens,” CM Omar said.

On criticism by the Leader of Opposition (LoP), he said that the LoP was supposed to criticise the NC government.

“He has to do it as the LoP. The more they oppose us, the better it is because it will seem that we are really working on the ground,” he said.

About the row that erupted over writing ‘I Love Muhammad’ (SAW), the CM said there was no logic to have problems with anyone for writing it.

“Nobody should have any problem with writing these three words, and I don’t understand why it has led to the arrest of people. Only a mentally sick person can have a problem with it and make it an issue,” he said.

CM Omar said that writing ‘I Love Muhammad’ (SAW) was not unlawful in any way.

“Even if it is associated with any particular religion, then again, there is no problem with it. People of other religions also write it. Don’t people of the Sikh community write about their Gurus, and don’t our Hindu brothers write about their Baghwans? Outside Kashmir, you will not find a single vehicle without a picture of Baghwan. If that doesn’t go against the law, then how does writing ‘I Love Muhammad’ (SAW) go against the law,” he said.

A controversy started with the writing of ‘I Love Muhammad’ (SAW) in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur and spiralled into widespread protests by members of the Muslim community across several states apart from Uttar Pradesh, including Uttarakhand, Telangana, and Maharashtra, after people from the Hindu community alleged that it was a new trend and a deliberate provocation.

ADDRESS ROOT CAUSE OF PROBLEMS: MEHBOOBA MUFTI

Meanwhile, former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti said the situation in Ladakh had made it imperative for the Centre to move beyond day-to-day crisis management and address the root cause of the problems.

“It’s time that the Government of India undertakes a sincere and thorough appraisal of what has truly changed since 2019. This video isn’t from Kashmir, considered the epicentre of unrest, but from the heart of Ladakh, where angry protesters have set Police vehicles and a BJP office on fire,” she said in a post on X.

The PDP chief said, Leh, a region long known for its peaceful and measured protests, is now witnessing a disturbing shift toward violent demonstrations.

“People seem to have lost patience, feel betrayed, insecure, and let down by unfulfilled promises,” she said. “It is imperative that the government move beyond day-to-day crisis management and address the root causes of this discontent urgently and transparently.”

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Omar Abdullah Reaches Delhi Airport After IndiGo Flight Diverted to Jaipur Amid Bad Weather

April 20, 2025April 20, 2025 by NOK Desk

The Delhi-bound IndiGo flight carrying Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah landed in the national capital in the early hours on Sunday after it was reportedly diverted to Jaipur on Saturday night.

According to reports, the flight departed from Jaipur at 2:00 am on Sunday. As per the J&K Chief Minister, the flight landed here after 3:00 am.

“In case anyone is wondering, I got to Delhi just after 3:00 AM,” Abdullah said in reply to a previous post on X, where he sharply criticised the Delhi Airport, calling it a “bloody shit show”.

“Delhi airport is a bloody shit show (excuse my French but I’m in no mood to be polite). 3 hours in the air after we left Jammu we get diverted to Jaipur & so here I am at 1 in the morning on the steps of the plane getting some fresh air. I’ve no idea what time we will leave from here,” he said in a post on X, expressing his frustration over the ordeal.

Abdullah also shared a selfie standing on the aircraft’s steps after deplaning briefly for fresh air.
Meanwhile, IndiGo had not issued an official statement at the time of filing this report.

Earlier on Saturday, Jammu airport also witnessed chaotic scenes, with hundreds of passengers complaining of inconvenience due to flight delays and cancellations.

Bad weather conditions in Srinagar disrupted flight operations, affecting several connecting flights.

In a post on X, IndiGo issued a travel advisory, stating, “6ETravelAdvisory: Unfavourable weather in Srinagar is impacting flights, but we’re here to keep you informed!”

“Weather conditions in Srinagar are impacting flight operations. We understand this may cause inconvenience and truly appreciate your patience… Our teams are actively monitoring the situation and will have smooth operations back on track as soon as the weather plays nice,” the advisory further added. (ANI)

J&K CM Omar Abdullah Expresses Grief Over Handwara Bus Mishap, Offers Condolences

April 12, 2025 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday expressed grief over picnic bus mishap.

In a post on X, CM_JnK wrote, “The loss of young Asiya Rashid, a promising student from GDC Sogam, in the tragic accident near Handwara is a tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us.”

“My deepest condolences to her family in this hour of grief. Prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary assistance.”he added.

Politics

Omar Abdullah Seeks Greater Support for Jammu & Kashmir at Lok Samvardhan Parv

April 7, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that Jammu and Kashmir has faced numerous challenges over the years but is now gradually emerging from these challenges.

He emphasized that efforts are underway to ensure the region becomes an equal stakeholder in the country’s overall development.

The Chief Minister was speaking at Lok Samvardhan Parv, being held at the University of Kashmir from April 5 to 13 under the theme ‘Bhagidari se Bhagyodaya’.

“Wherever support is possible and wherever proposals from our side are pending approval, I humbly request that they be considered and approved so that people of Jammu and Kashmir can benefit,” the Chief Minister said.

He was the Chief Guest at the event, which was inaugurated by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju.

Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurien, also attended the event.

Vice Chancellor of Kashmir University, Professor Nilofer Khan, along with other senior dignitaries, was also present on the occasion.

Highlighting the importance of the programme, Omar Abdullah said the event marks a new beginning in the relationship between the Ministry of Minority Affairs and Jammu & Kashmir.

“This initiative offers a window into the rich cultural diversity, handicrafts and cuisines of the country, while also providing us the opportunity to showcase our own heritage—be it our crafts, traditional cuisine or natural beauty—to the visiting guests,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that while the Ministry of Minority Affairs may appear smaller in scope, its work holds deep national significance.

“In a country as diverse as ours—with different ways of life, multiple languages, varied cuisines and unique cultures—it is crucial to foster a sense of belonging and unity. The ministry plays a key role in ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background, feels part of the nation’s progress,” he said.

He further acknowledged that the event has enabled local artisans, including those involved in handicrafts and traditional wazwan cuisine, to showcase their exceptional talent.

“The magic in their hands is on full display. At the same time, it is heartening to see participants from across the country sharing this platform,” he added.

Referring to the tourist rush coinciding with the onset of the spring season, he said: “I understand the challenges many of you may have faced in reaching here—especially due to the traffic around the Tulip Garden. But what can we say—the charm of Kashmir draws everyone in.” The Chief Minister expressed hope that guests from across the country will carry back fond memories of the event and the valley’s hospitality.

Urging the Union Minister to continue his ministry’s support for Jammu & Kashmir, the Chief Minister said the region continues to face various challenges, including unemployment. “Your ministry’s initiatives—be it in education, skill training or market access—are vital. Our artisans work hard but struggle to reach broader markets. They face challenges in grooming the next generation for this craft, and often do not receive adequate support in skill development and training. I hope your ministry will help bridge this gap,” he said

Omar Abdullah Offers Eid Prayers at Hazratbal, Prays for Peace and Prosperity

March 31, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today offered Eid prayers at the revered Dargah Hazratbal shrine, joining thousands of devotees in celebrating the joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

On this auspicious day, the Chief Minister prayed for peace, progress, and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He expressed hope that the month-long fasting and devotion of Ramadan would be accepted and that the prayers of the faithful would be answered.

News

CM Omar Abdullah Focuses on Vocational Training to Boost Tourism in J&K Border Areas Such As Karnah

March 8, 2025March 8, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the government’s commitment to empower youth in border areas such as Karnah, Keran, Machhil and Gurez by equipping them with vocational skills to promote tourism-driven economic growth.

He stated that unskilled youth from these regions would be provided training enabling them to acquire skills in trades relevant to the tourism sector.

The Chief Minister, who also holds Tourism Department, stated this while replying to a supplementary question from MLA Karnah, Javid Ahmad Mirchal, regarding the promotion of tourism in border areas like Karnah. The Chief Minister remarked that Karnah has immense tourism potential and stressed the need to explore it further.

“We believe that there is potential for tourism. We need to explore that potential. Recently, festivals were organized in Karnah—the Border Festival and Yoga Festival. The purpose is to let people outside Jammu and Kashmir know about Karnah’s tourism potential and its culture. Because of such initiatives, we have started to see a gradual increase in tourism. For this reason, local people should benefit from tourism,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told Legislative Assembly.

The Chief Minister said that the tourism department has started registration of paying guest houses and homestays in the area.
“For now, in Karnah, we have registered six homestays, and five in Teetwal. Now, I request the MLA to help us in this. There is no point in bringing tourists if there is no place to host them,” he said, adding, “We do not want to build massive hotels there. If big hotels are built, local people will not benefit from them.”

“At present we need to focus more on homestays. For this, MLAs should help us and involve local people in this.

In response to another supplementary question from member Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the Chief Minister informed the House that the government would identify unskilled youth in border areas like Karnah, Keran, Machhil, and Gurez so that they can be trained in ITIs and the Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar, to develop skills and trades relevant to tourism.

“In my Budget speech yesterday, I stated that our focus is on skills and entrepreneurship so that youth are equipped with skills and provided handholding to build their future in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Member Saifullah Mir suggested the establishment of a Tourism Development Authority to boost local tourism in these destinations.

Earlier, replying to the starred question, the Chief Minister stated that Karnah region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and strategic location near the Line of Control (LoC), he said.

He further said that Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal villages possess natural beauty and tourism potential.

“These areas offer breathtaking landscapes, lush meadows and have cultural significance, making them attractive destinations for tourism. These areas have the potential for nature tourism, adventure tourism, and cross-border heritage tourism,” he said. He stated that the Department of Tourism has taken several initiatives to bring these villages onto the tourist map.

“In order to promote pilgrim tourism in Karnah Constituency, the J&K Tourism Department has projected the construction of ‘Yatri Niwas’ at Sharda Temple at Teetwal, Kupwara, along with a cafeteria,” he said.

CM Omar Abdullah said that the Construction of Yatri Niwas at Sharda Temple at Teetwal, Kupwara, along with a cafeteria is currently in progress, with the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) underway. The project cost is estimated at Ra 150 Lakh.

He informed that House that the Border Tourism Festival was organized by the Tourism Department in border areas to promote tourism. “The festival was held at Teetwal in September 2022 and featured cultural and musical events, an ATV rally from Kupwara to Teetwal, nature photography sessions, trekking, camping, and horse riding,” the CM said.

He added that Yoga Festival was organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with other departments in the Teetwal area of the Karnah constituency on June 21, 2024, to promote tourism in the area.

Omar Abdullah Stresses Need for Statehood to Resolve Jammu and Kashmir Issues

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025 by NOK Desk

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday raised concerns over governance under the Union Territory (UT) framework and stressed that certain issues affecting the people could only be effectively resolved under a state administration and they are “trying to achieve the status of a state”

“Why am I repeatedly stressing about (the restoration) of statehood? I know there are many issues due to which people are troubled, but the resolution of those issues cannot be made under the UT administration. For this, we need to get the status of a state. Tasks which can be done as a UT will be done, and for the other tasks which can be done under state administration, we are trying to achieve the status of a state.”

On allegations of opposition parties that promises made during the election campaign were not being implemented CM said, “The (election) manifesto was not for 5 days or 5 weeks, but 5 years. We know the promises we have made to the public and how to fulfil them. Since the first day, we have said that the tasks we have to do as UT, we will do them.”

Further, when asked about the upcoming Budget Abdullah refrained from commenting on it ahead of its official presentation in the Legislative Assembly.

Abdullah maintained that it was the government’s responsibility to introduce the Budget in the House before any discussions could take place.

“I will not talk about the Budget as it is the government’s duty to present the Budget first in the Assembly. All the things that will be included in the Budget will become clear before the Assembly when it is presented on March 7…”

Earlier in the day, CM Abdullah extended his support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign against obesity, urging wider participation to combat lifestyle-related health risks on Monday.

Taking to X, Abdullah emphasized the adverse health effects of obesity, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes, respiratory issues, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

“I’m very happy to join the campaign against obesity launched by PM @narendramodi ji. Obesity causes a number of lifestyle-related health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, strokes & breathing problems not to mention mental health conditions like anxiety & depression,” he posted.

“Today I’m nominating these 10 people to join the PM’s campaign against obesity & requesting them to nominate a further 10 people each to take this fight forward: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Sajjan Jindal, Deepika Padukone, Sania Mirza, Irfan Pathan, Supriya Sule, Kuldeep Handoo, Sheetal Devi, Iqra Rasool, Palak Bijral,” the post added on X. (ANI)

CM Omar Abdullah Chairs High-Level Meeting on Mysterious Deaths in Rajouri’s Budhal Village

January 17, 2025 by NOK Desk

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the alarming situation in Budhal village of Rajouri district, where mysterious deaths have claimed 16 lives, with one more victim succumbing to an unexplained illness.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo; Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani; Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo; Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Dheeraj Gupta; ADGP Jammu, Anand Jain; Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar; Secretary Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and other senior medical and police officers.

Secretary Health & Medical Education, briefed the Chief Minister on the steps taken so far.

He reported that health department teams had conducted door-to-door survey of over 3,000 residents in the affected area, collecting and testing samples of water, food, and other materials.He informed that all test results, including those for influenza and other possible contaminants, came back negative.

The meeting was informed that additional testing was carried out by premier national institutes, including ICMR, National Institute of Virology, National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER Chandigarh, but no definite cause for the deaths was identified.

Police officials informed the meeting that investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the fatalities, which have been limited to three families residing within 1.5 kilometers of each other.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah directed the health and police departments to expedite their investigations.

“The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning, and the government is committed to ensuring that the root cause is identified at the earliest. I urge all departments to collaborate and leave no stone unturned in resolving this issue,” he stated.

It was also emphasized during the meeting that the health department has maintained an active presence in the area over the past 40 days, providing ambulances, medicines, and essential facilities to address any emergencies.

Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister reassured the public that the administration is treating the situation with the highest priority.

“The health and safety of our citizens remain our top priority. The government is fully committed to resolving this crisis and ensuring justice for the affected families,” he added.