After achieving a decisive majority in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah delivered a comprehensive address, calling for unity and the immediate restoration of statehood for the region.
Abdullah, who is poised to play a significant role in the formation of the new government, emphasized the need to represent all sections of J&K, regardless of political affiliations.
Speaking to the media, Abdullah expressed gratitude for the people’s mandate but remained mindful of the challenges ahead. “I am humbled by the mandate that the people have given, but I am also acutely aware of the responsibility that this mandate places upon us,” he said.
“The people of Jammu and Kashmir have gone unheard since 2018. Now the time has come for us to work for the benefit of all, not just those who voted for us,” he said.
In a clear message of inclusivity, Abdullah promised to ensure that the new government will give a voice to underrepresented regions, particularly Jammu, where the National Conference has fewer elected representatives. “This will not be a government for any particular party or region; it will be a government for every single individual of Jammu and Kashmir, whether they voted for us or not,” Abdullah stated.
Abdullah also reiterated the National Conference’s long-standing demand for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, which was revoked in 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370.
“The first business of the new cabinet must be to pass a resolution demanding the restoration of statehood,” he declared. “The chief minister, whoever it may be, should travel to Delhi with that resolution and call on the senior leadership of the country to fulfill their promise. Statehood was promised to J&K—not to any particular party or government.”
Addressing the contentious issue of Article 370, Abdullah acknowledged the political realities but vowed to keep the conversation alive. “We are not ready to fool the people by promising something we cannot deliver immediately,” he explained. “However, we will continue to talk about Article 370 and hope that a future government at the national level will be willing to engage with us on this matter.”
In closing, Abdullah highlighted the importance of adherence to democratic norms. “The decision on who will lead this government rests with the alliance and the legislators. I have always believed in doing things by the book, and this process will be no different.”
As the National Conference and its coalition partners prepare for the legislative party meeting in the coming days, Abdullah emphasized the need for a collective approach. “It is a time for unity, not division. Together, we must work to rebuild trust and deliver on the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.” (KNS)
