Assembly Has Done Its Job: CM Omar Abdullah on resolution calling for Special Status to J&K
SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Nov 06: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution calling for dialogue between the Centre and elected representatives to restore the special status of the former state. The resolution, moved by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, sparked lively scenes in the House as members voiced strong opinions on the issue. Despite the charged atmosphere, the Speaker opted for a voice vote, passing the resolution without a formal debate.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, visibly pleased with the outcome, briefly addressed reporters outside the Assembly complex, saying, “The Assembly has done its job. I will only say this much.” His confident demeanor reflected a sense of achievement in fulfilling a core commitment made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The resolution expresses “concern” over the “unilateral removal” of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Centre on August 5, 2019. Since then, political leaders in the region have consistently advocated for a restoration, viewing it as essential to the socio-political and economic identity of Jammu and Kashmir. This Assembly vote marks a formal step in urging the Centre to engage in dialogue aimed at reversing this decision.
Deputy CM’s Defiant Response to Religious Slogans
In response to BJP, Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary asserted, “Bhagwan Ram mere bhi hain, Bhagwan Ram hum sab ke hain,” emphasizing the universality of faith and inclusivity. He added, “I was taught that there is only one God. I want to remind those who are casting accusations that true faith embodies equality for all.”
Choudhary’s statement underscored his call for unity within the democratic framework, reminding the Assembly that religious or cultural affiliations should not become grounds for division or exclusion. His words, received with mixed reactions in the Assembly, were intended to counter what he described as divisive rhetoric that detracts from the genuine issues facing Jammu and Kashmir.
Appeal for Rights and Employment Protection
Expanding on the resolution’s significance, Choudhary later told Kashmir Despatch, “We live within the Constitution of India, and our resolution clearly states that we want to strengthen India, fortify Indian democracy, and protect Jammu and Kashmir.” He emphasized the Assembly’s commitment to protecting the rights of J&K’s citizens, particularly concerning land ownership and employment.
“We will not allow any outsider to encroach on the land of Jammu and Kashmir, nor will we allow employment opportunities here to be taken by outsiders,” he stated firmly. This stance, he added, is consistent with the promises made to the electorate during the election campaign and reflected in the party manifesto, which prioritizes local employment and land rights.
A Unifying Message Across Regions
Choudhary underscored that the resolution resonates not only with the people of Kashmir but also with those in Jammu, bridging regional divides and aligning with the collective aspirations for constitutional rights and protections. He emphasized, “The passage of this resolution honors the promises we made to our people, who have asked for the restoration of the rights taken away from them.”
The resolution signals the J&K government’s commitment to advocating for the former state’s rights within India’s constitutional framework. It also highlights a growing unity among elected representatives in Jammu and Kashmir on the issue, regardless of religious or regional differences, marking a step towards a common political agenda centered on local rights and governance.
The Assembly’s call for dialogue now places the onus on the Central Government to respond to the request for restoring special status, setting the stage for possible discussions on the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s political identity and regional autonomy. Whether this resolution will lead to concrete actions remains uncertain, but it represents a key moment in the state’s quest to reclaim its constitutional position within the Union of India.
