Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, emphasizing that political theatrics will not alter the current reality. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, he highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken by his administration to press for statehood, including a cabinet resolution and direct appeals to the Prime Minister.
Responding to opposition criticism regarding the use of “Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir” in the Appropriation Bills moved by his government, the Chief Minister dismissed misinformation being spread through social media and refuted claims that the bill would alter the region’s status.
“This happens very frequently when we rely entirely on WhatsApp for information. The WhatsApp forward that my honourable colleague received—based on which a member also staged a brief walkout—is something we have all seen. This message attempts to create the false impression that if this bill is passed, Jammu and Kashmir will become a Union Territory,” CM Omar Abdullah stated.
Clarifying the constitutional position, he asserted, “But the fact is, we are already a Union Territory—whether we like it or not. This is the government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” The Chief Minister underscored that his government functions within the framework of the Union Territory.
“We have taken an oath as representatives of a Union Territory. We contested elections for the Union Territory Assembly. We are passing the budget of a Union Territory,” he said.
Rejecting the opposition’s objections over terminology in the Appropriation Bills, he questioned, “Now, if we pass this bill and refer to it as an amendment to the government of Jammu and Kashmir, what changes? If we pass the Appropriation Bill for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, what difference does it make? If I remove the term ‘Union Territory,’ will our status change? No, it will not.”
He criticized performative politics, stating, “Performing for the cameras won’t change our reality. What will bring change is our continued effort to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. If there is anything outdated, it is probably the record of our efforts in this regard.” Highlighting his government’s push for statehood restoration, he said, “We held our first cabinet meeting, passed a resolution, and submitted it directly to the Hon’ble Prime Minister. When the Prime Minister recently visited Sonmarg, I stood before him and publicly called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Every time I visit Delhi, in every meeting, I reiterate that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not accept the UT status.”
Addressing legislative procedure, he pointed out, “However, the reality remains: we are a Union Territory. If we were not, things would have been different. If we were a state, the grants just passed would have been discussed in detail, and there would have been cut motions on them. But these were grants from the Home Department, and they were passed without discussion or cut motions—because we are a Union Territory.” Taking a dig at opposition tactics, CM Omar Abdullah remarked, “Staging a walkout for the cameras and claiming ‘I am not part of this crime’ does not change the fact that the crime has already been committed against us.”
He cautioned against misinformation-driven politics, saying, “We must not allow WhatsApp forwards to dictate our politics. Our focus is clear: we want Jammu and Kashmir to be restored as a state. And, God willing, we will achieve that.”
Concluding his statement, he reaffirmed, “However, simply removing or retaining the words ‘Union Territory’ does not change our reality. Jammu and Kashmir will remain a Union Territory until the Parliament of India restores its statehood. Therefore, let us not politicize this issue unnecessarily.”
