Omar Abdullah Pushes Statehood, Federalism on I-Day
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has renewed his demand for restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, arguing that stronger federalism is essential for India’s democratic structure. In his Independence Day address at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, he also spoke about unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and defended Jammu and Kashmir’s 1947 accession to India.
Omar Abdullah Raises PoK Protests
Abdullah said recent developments in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir had reinforced his belief that the decision taken by Jammu and Kashmir’s leaders in 1947 to join India was correct.
He expressed concern over deaths, injuries and arrests during protests across the Line of Control, describing the people there as part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah claimed that had Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status and statehood not been removed in 2019, people in PoK might today have been demanding reunification with Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah Demands J&K Statehood
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional guarantees.
He argued that strengthening India’s federal structure requires empowering States and ensuring that powers constitutionally assigned to them are not progressively centralised.
Jammu and Kashmir has remained a Union Territory since its reorganisation in 2019.
Omar Questions Centralised NEET and JEE Exams
Abdullah also questioned increasing centralisation in education, citing national examinations such as NEET and JEE.
He argued that while national institutions could conduct common entrance examinations, State-run colleges should retain greater control over their admissions.
The Chief Minister said strengthening federalism should begin with Jammu and Kashmir and called for greater trust between institutions, governments and citizens.
