Srinagar, Nov 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly “has done its job” following the passage of a resolution seeking the restoration of the region’s special status.
Speaking to media persons after the passing of resolution, Omar said that the Assembly has done its job.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also termed the resolution calling for the rollback of special status to J&K, “a reminder to New Delhi about the promises they made to the people of J&K on the floor of the parliament.”
Addressing the media outside the Assembly, Choudhary said that the decision to bring the resolution forward was aimed at strengthening the Constitution of India. The removal of Article 370 was not just a political stance but a crucial issue that had been central to their campaign from the outset, he said.
He said that restoration of Article 370 and 35A was a core promise in his party’s manifesto, pledging to honour the commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This was our issue, and it was the core of our campaign. Both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister should remember their pledges to secure land and job rights for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as their commitment to restoring statehood,” Deputy CM said.
Choudhary said that they remain committed to securing the future of our youth and have consistently reminded the Prime Minister and the Home Minister of their promises. Our government would continue advocating for the restoration of these rights and the protection of local interests.”
“We want to strengthen Indian democracy. We voiced what the people and youth of Jammu and Kashmir truly desire,” he said.
In response to the BJP leaders’ slogans, Choudhary urged them to remember that “there was no discrimination under Lord Ram, and the same principle should apply here.”
Questioning the Centre’s approach, he added, “If promises can be made to states like Bihar and Himachal Pradesh, why can’t Jammu and Kashmir receive the same treatment?”
He also criticised the policies implemented after the abrogation of Article 370, stating, “You sold our lands, rivers, and industrial assets, bringing in policies that have ruined the careers of our youth. Our young people are without jobs, while outsiders are taking advantage of all these opportunities.”
Choudhary claimed that, behind the scenes, the BJP also wants this resolution to pass, even though they publicly pretend to oppose it.
Earlier the resolution, introduced by Deputy CM Choudhary and seconded by Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, faced immediate opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose members staged a protest against the move.
Despite the opposition, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather passed the resolution, prompting BJP MLAs to storm the well of the house in further protest.
