‘First Resolution shall be to restore Statehood’
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Oct 9: National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah today said that their stance on Articles 370 and 35A remains unchanged, but expecting its restoration from
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Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) would be “foolish” and tantamount to deceiving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters at his Gupkar residence in Srinagar, Omar hoped that a change in the Central Government would eventually allow for discussions on Articles 370 and 35 A. “We are not ready to deceive the people. We will keep this issue alive, and we will continue to talk about it. Sooner or later, the Government will change, and we can sit down and address this issue. That has always been the NC’s stance,” he said.
When asked about the number of Independent candidates who have approached the NC, the NC leader revealed that a few have reached out to them. “Why do you want me to disclose the exact number? If I give a figure, they could be troubled tomorrow. I will tell you that one or two have spoken to us, and talks are ongoing. When they join us, we would not be able to hide it from you,” he said.
Regarding Farooq Abdullah’s statement that Omar will be the next Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar expressed gratitude but emphasized that the decision rests with the legislators and the Alliance. “The final say belongs to the legislators. I always follow the rules and proper procedure, and this will be no exception,” he said.
On the top priorities for the next CM, the NC leader said there would be two sets of priorities-one Legislative and the other Governmental. “My suggestion to the new Government is that the Cabinet’s first resolution should be to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. The new CM should take this resolution to New Delhi and demand that the senior leadership fulfil their promise of restoring Statehood.
Omar reiterated that no conditions were set regarding which party would be in power when statehood is restored. “Nowhere did they say that statehood would only be restored to a BJP government. We expect them to honour their word,” he said.
When asked about a possible meeting with the LG, Omar said it was unavoidable for Government formation. “No Government can be formed without meeting the LG. After the Alliance meeting, the chosen leader will request a meeting with the LG,” he explained.
Omar expressed his gratitude for the support of people while also acknowledging the heavy responsibility that comes with their mandate. “The people of J&K have spoken, and now the responsibility lies with us to give a sense of ownership to the people of both J&K,” he said, adding that the new Government will represent the entire region, not just the NC or its supporters.
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