J&K government committed to restoring statehood, constitutional guarantees: Omar Abdullah

The parade ground in Srinagar, the venue for the main Independence Day function in the Kashmir Valley, saw a turnout of officials, security personnel, and citizens on Saturday. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade, and addressed the gathering. Cultural performances were also held as part of the celebrations.

In his address, Mr. Abdullah said his government was committed to restoring the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and its constitutional guarantees, which were revoked in August 2019. "Our government is committed to restoring statehood and constitutional guarantees, and put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development. We will work to fulfil these goals," he said.

The Chief Minister's statement comes against the backdrop of the Centre's decision on August 5, 2019, to abrogate Article 370, which had granted special status to the erstwhile state, and the subsequent bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. Article 370 had provided the region with a special status, including its own constitution and considerable autonomy over internal matters. While the Union government has maintained that abrogation was meant to integrate the region fully and promote development, critics have argued that it was done without adequate consultation and has altered the region's constitutional character. The changes also led to the creation of the Union Territory of Ladakh, which had been a separate region within the erstwhile state.

Since the abrogation, the restoration of statehood has been a key demand of political parties in the region, including the National Conference, which leads the current elected government. The Union government has said that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time, but no specific timeline has been announced.

Referring to the recent protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), which have been reported by various media outlets, Mr. Abdullah said the situation had vindicated the decision of National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his colleagues to fight the Pakistan-backed tribal invaders in 1947. He recalled the slogan of that era: "hamlavar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar" (attackers beware, we Kashmiris are prepared).

The Chief Minister also paid tribute to Master Abdul Aziz, a National Conference leader who was killed in Muzaffarabad while trying to stop the tribal attack. "When I see the situation across the border, I realise that our ancestors who said this were right," he said.

Mr. Abdullah further stated that had the special constitutional guarantees not been revoked in 2019, people in PoK would have been agitating to join Jammu and Kashmir. "We have kept seats vacant for the other side in the hope that some day these will be filled," he added, referring to the seats reserved for representatives from PoK in the legislative assembly.

The remarks are significant given the ongoing political and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding Jammu and Kashmir. The elected government has consistently urged the Centre to restore statehood, a promise made by the Union government when Article 370 was abrogated.

In his address, Mr. Abdullah also outlined his government's priorities, including development and good governance. He assured the people that his government would leave no stone unturned to ensure the region's prosperity. However, his focus remained on the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, which he described as essential for the region's progress.

The Independence Day celebrations in Srinagar passed off peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported. The authorities had made elaborate arrangements for security, including the deployment of paramilitary forces and drones for surveillance.