SRINAGAR, Dec 5: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated his demand for the restoration of statehood, stating that the promises made to the people must be honoured at all costs.
Speaking to reporters on the side lines of the 42nd foundation day of SKIMS, Omar Abdullah said that people participated in droves in recent polls and that their commitment to the cause must be honoured.
When asked about declaration of holiday on the birth anniversary of National Conference founder Sheikh Abdullah, Omar said that they have a significant battle ahead-to ensure Jammu and Kashmir regains its status as a state.
“This is not just about us but about the promises made by the Prime Minister to the people of J&K during parliamentary and assembly elections. People of J&K participated in those elections with full enthusiasm, hoping their trust would be honored.”
He added the Prime Minister and Home Minister were understandably occupied with polls in Maharashtra and elsewhere. “Now that those matters are resolved, we will talk to them again and expect them to fulfill their commitment to the people of J&K and restore its statehood without delay.”
On the issue of survey in Mosques and shrines across the country, Omar stressed the importance of India’s secular foundation.
He stated, “Our Constitution guarantees the right to live freely, irrespective of one’s religion or even if one chooses not to follow any religion. This fundamental principle of secularism must be upheld. However, a systematic effort seems to be underway to target our mosques and religious institutions. This is unacceptable.”
Omar further remarked, “We don’t ask for appeasement and not seeking appeasement doesn’t mean we should be targeted. Let us not victimise communities under the guise of opposing appeasement. Jammu and Kashmir has always been integral to India’s foundation, and its secular ethos must be preserved,” he added. (KNO)
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