VP’s resignation unprecedented; we wish him well: CM Omar 

Ganderbal, Jul 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday extended his best wishes following the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing health reasons. “I wish him good health and a long life. This appears to be the first time that a Vice President of the country has resigned in such a manner. Unfortunately, his health did not permit him to continue. Hopefully, the next Vice President will do justice to the post and the office,” Omar told reporters here.On the issue of statehood, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his party’s commitment. “We were the first to raise the demand for statehood. The resolution was passed in the Cabinet and brought before the Assembly,” he said.Responding to a question about the Congress party’s protests for statehood, Abdullah said, “If Congress wanted our support, they should have engaged with us. Our people could have stood alongside them—we’ve carried this cause too. In fact, we’ve already passed a resolution for it in the Assembly.”Earlier, CM Abdullah visited the residence of Riyaz Ahmed Wani (JKAS), OSD to the CM, in Kangan to offer condolences on the sad demise of his mother, Manzoora Begum. He also visited Safapora to extend heartfelt sympathies to the family of a young woman whose tragic death has deeply shaken the community.Omar assured the bereaved family that the matter is being thoroughly investigated and that justice will be delivered swiftly, transparently, and fairly.The CM was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Political Advisor Mudassar Shahmiri, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, and YNC Provincial President Mushtaq Mir. They expressed deep sorrow and stood in solidarity with the bereaved families.