J&K’s statehood fight is for people’s rights, not personal gain: Omar

Srinagar, Mar 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated his party’s stance that no attempts to intimidate or threaten them will take away the citizens’ right to discuss Article 370.
Speaking during the discussion on the motion of thanks to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address, Omar asserted that citizens’ right to discuss Article 370 cannot be taken away.
He criticised the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory, saying the move had stripped the people of their dignity. “The fight to restore J&K’s statehood is not for personal gain, but for the larger interest of its people,” Omar said, adding that real development could only be achieved once statehood is reinstated. “The changes we seek for J&K can only become a reality when statehood is restored,” he emphasised.
Responding to Peoples Conference legislator Sajad Gani Lone’s remarks about the statehood resolution, which was discussed in a cabinet meeting rather than in the House, Omar explained that the resolution had not been presented in the Assembly because it was widely supported across party lines. “If you want to move a resolution on restoring statehood, go ahead. We will stand with you,” Omar offered, stressing that the struggle for statehood was rooted in truth, justice, and law. He also asserted that restoring statehood would bring much-needed relief to the people of J&K.
Omar made it clear that his party would not back down in its fight for statehood. “There are those who try to silence us with threats and intimidation, but we will not give in. We will continue fighting for the rights, dignity, and development of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he declared.
Reacting to remarks made by Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma, who called discussions on Article 370 a “waste of time,” Omar pointed out the irony, stating that BJP members themselves had spoken extensively on the issue. While the Centre revoked Article 370 in August 2019, and the Supreme Court has upheld the abrogation, Omar maintained that decisions could be revisited.
“Do not tell me that the Supreme Court’s verdict is the final word on Article 370. Governments change, decisions are revisited, and nothing is set in stone. We believe it will return, and while you hold on to your beliefs, we will hold on to ours,” he said. “But no one can take away our right to talk about it.”