Omar Abdullah Says Hopes of Statehood Restoration Fading, Highlights Difference Between Mian Altaf and Ruhullah

Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said that the hopes of statehood restoration are fading with each passing day.

Speaking to media persons, CM Omar, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that he has been hoping that statehood restoration from day one. “However, as the delay continues, the hopes are fading with each passing day,” he added.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He also reacted to Member of Parliament, Mian Altaf’s statement, stating that he spoke to him over phone. “He is a fatherly figure. He has not spoken anything wrong and has advised me like my father does,” he added.

When asked about similar statement by MP Aga Ruhullah, CM Omar said that there is a lot of difference between Mian Altaf and Aga Ruhullah—(KNO)

CM Omar Abdullah Announces Door-to-Door Signature Drive for J&K Statehood Restoration on 79th Independence Day

Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the elected government will launch a door to door signature campaign for the restoration of statehood to Jammu ad Kashmir in the next few weeks.

During his address on 79th Independence Day at Bakshi Stadium, CM Omar, per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that his focus on the restoration of statehood is because that is the first step to ensure prosperity and progress here. “I will not stop pressing for statehood as it is the issue of everyone here”.

He said that they will go to every single constituency and get the signatures of people for statehood restoration. “The time has come to move beyond writing letters and other things. We will reach every office and authorities where the decisions for J&K is being taken. Me and my colleagues will also go to every single assembly constituency to get the signatures of people for statehood restoration and handover the document to the Centre and others accordingly,” he said.

“This speech means a lot to me. After 11 years, I am here to make my speech again. Much has changed in 11 years. Last time, I was speaking as the CM of state, but today, I am speaking as the CM of UT. We had a special status, our flag and constitution, but nothing has remained now. Even the statehood has been snatched,” he said.

He said some wellwishers gave hope that the statehood will be restored soon. “The announcement will be made this year only and even I was told that the papers are being prepared, but nothing was done. Today, I am telling you that the ray of hope has got slightly reduced. I had high hopes, but it has now reduced.”

He said the elected government here is akin to the horse whose legs have been tied and is asked to reach the destination.

He also expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their loved one in the Kishtwar cloudburst yesterday.

According to the Chief Minister, 60 people have died so far while more than 100 are injured. “I want to extend my condolences to the bereaved families and also pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. I want to assure the people of Kishtwar, especially those affected that the government will provide every possible assistance to them,” he said.

He said that an investigation will be launched to ascertain as to what led to the incident and see whether more preparations despite having the weather alert could have prevented the tragedy—(KNO)

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Apni Party Demands Legislative Assembly Elections and Statehood Restoration in Jammu and Kashmir

Apni Party staged a peaceful protest demanding Legislative Assembly Elections and statehood restoration for Jammu and Kashmir. Led by Provincial President S. Manjit Singh, the demonstration emphasized the urgent need to address public issues exacerbated by the absence of an elected government.

Manjit Singh stressed the Election Commission of India’s role in announcing Assembly Elections, long overdue, to uphold democratic principles. He highlighted the bureaucracy’s disconnect from public interests, exacerbating feelings of alienation and widening the gap between the public and administration.

The protest also spotlighted the plight of refugees and Displaced Persons (DPs), urging immediate release of pending package amounts and granting proprietary rights over allotted lands. Manjit Singh questioned the delay in disbursing sanctioned funds meant for the financial support of refugees/DPs.

Additionally, the demand for a special recruitment drive for unemployed youth in border villages and addressing farmers’ grievances, including canal water supply, electricity, and loan waivers, featured prominently.

The peaceful protest, which attracted notable participants including local leaders and representatives, concluded in Ramgarh. The event underscored Apni Party’s commitment to addressing the pressing issues faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.