Highlights Commitment to People’s Representation, Statehood In His Address to Assembly
SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Nov 08: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the last day of assembly reaffirmed, “As long as I have days to serve the people, I will not waste even a single day.”
He expressed gratitude to the public for their significant participation in the elections, stating, “To everyone who cast their vote, I hope they stood in line. They voted with the hope that their voices would be represented, and that they would see their issues being addressed.”
As per Kashmir Despatch Correspondent, Abdullah emphasized the importance of representing those who are not present in the assembly, reflecting on the skepticism surrounding the electoral process prior to the elections. “Many people expressed doubts about whether the government would allow the elections to take place,” he remarked, adding that it sometimes felt as if there was no preparation for a new assembly.
He expressed sorrow over the use of the Jammu assembly, which, at times, felt like a film set. “Technology is strange… this phone reminds you of your past. Every morning, we are reminded by our phones with memory posts popping up on the screen,” he noted.
Omar Abdullah recalled the events of August 2019, stating, “I remember when all the leaders were arrested, including Sajad Lone. They even searched through his belongings and his child’s diaper.” He reiterated the importance of focusing on the future rather than dwelling on the past.
He criticized the approach of the Lieutenant Governor, stating, “We thought he would discuss the agenda from a year ago… but he didn’t mention constitutional safeguards or anything regarding statehood.” Abdullah expressed disappointment over the behavior of some assembly members, who disrupted proceedings, stating, “Those who created noise here failed to fulfill their responsibilities.”
The Chief Minister remarked on the prior assembly’s resolution, which he claimed stripped the region of its autonomy. “We raised our voices against this because we foresaw what was coming next,” he said. Abdullah challenged those making accusations of compromise to examine their own conduct.
He commented on the historical context of political alliances in the region, noting the shift in perspectives regarding resolutions over time. “They say resolutions are a compromise. Yet, before, they were the very ones banging the table with those resolutions,” he pointed out.
Addressing the changes in political discourse influenced by social media, he advised his colleagues against basing policies on trends observed on platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. He stated, “The change in their thought regarding our resolution is a direct result of that WhatsApp university.”
Omar Abdullah also spoke about the recent adjustments to the academic session, attributing them to the region’s disempowerment, and emphasized the need for expedited recruitment processes. He acknowledged the limitations of their authority as a Union Territory, particularly concerning security matters.
He expressed full support for law enforcement and underscored the necessity of peace for development. “It is our responsibility to maintain the situation because what we promised regarding development must be fulfilled,” he asserted.
In closing, Abdullah addressed the long-standing demand for statehood, saying, “We have the right to live with dignity and respect. We are demanding statehood because it’s our identity.” He reassured the public that the promises made during the elections would be upheld and expressed confidence in the process for restoring statehood.
He concluded his address with a couplet; saying, “Those who are accustomed to getting caught in storms, even the sea prays for their boat.”
