Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNO): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday questioned the delay in restoring statehood, saying the situation witnessed after the Pahalgam attack would never have occurred if security control had been under his government.
Addressing a gathering during the inauguration of Noor Jahan Bridge in Qamarwari area here, Omar, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that at present, shikaras, taxis, and houseboats are lying empty after the Pahalgam attack. “Who has control over security? I don’t have the responsibility for security. If it had been in our hands, we would never have allowed such a situation to occur,” he said.
The Chief Minister further said that during his six years in office, there was not a single incident where tourists were targeted. “Our 26 guests have been killed in Pahalgam, and we are being asked to work. We know how to work; you do your job,” he said, apparently reacting to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha's statement that the elected government has enough powers which should be utilised for public welfare.
He added that, at the very least, the promises made in the Supreme Court (SC) and Parliament to the people of J&K should be fulfilled. “Why are they afraid of statehood? Why aren’t they ready to step down? If people voted for that promise, then why is it being delayed? Except for a few recently elected MLAs, all parties, be it the NC, BJP, or PDP, sought votes on the promise of statehood. People were told that statehood would be restored after the elections, but now they are being asked to wait for the ‘right time’. I will wait, but tell me, how will we know when the right time has come?" he said.
Omar added, "As Chief Minister, I should be informed of the goal set for the restoration of statehood so that we can prepare ourselves and help people out of this situation, where employees are being terminated and residents are being evicted from their homes without any explanation.”
Reacting to the inauguration of the bridge in Qamarwari, the CM said his government remains committed to its promises and will fulfil them all. “We are not among those who give a clean chit to themselves; rather, I am among those who acknowledge shortcomings as well. Hopefully, my colleagues and I will work together to ensure the development of Srinagar,” he said.
The Chief Minister urged officials to assign a proper name to the bridge, as it currently has three names - Qamarwari Bridge, Noorbagh Bridge, and Noor Jahan Bridge, which is creating confusion—(KNO)