Farooq Abdullah: Restoring J&K statehood a constitutional right, not a concession - ‘to fly a kite without wind'
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has said the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is not a concession but a constitutional right.
Addressing a meeting of NC workers in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, the former chief minister called for an immediate return to full democratic authority in the region.
"Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is not a concession but a constitutional right. Statehood is not a gift, it is the people's right, long overdue and repeatedly promised by the ruling government," he said.
Farooq is a three-time chief minister of the erstwhile state, a former Member of Parliament (MP) and ex-Union Minister.
The erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has promised the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
On June 6, Farooq Abdullah's son, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, raised the issue of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the flagging off of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden train to Kashmir in Katra, the pilgrim town in Jammu.
'There are four persons on this stage who were present at the inauguration of the Katra railway station (in 2014). You had just won the election, becoming the Prime Minister for the first time. MoS in PMO Jitendra Singh was present then, and our LG Manoj Sinha sahib was MoS Railways, and I was here as chief minister of the state of Jammu and Kashmir,' Omar said while PM was on stage.
"If you see, by the blessings of Mata (Vaishno Devi) Sinhaji has got a promotion (LG now) and I had a demotion. I was chief minister of a state and now I am a CM of the UT. However, I believe that it will not take long to rectify it .... Jammu and Kashmir will again get the statehood under your watch only," Omar Abdullah said.
At the meeting on Wednesday, however, senior Abdullah assured party workers that the NC government in Jammu and Kashmir is prioritising these challenges. Farooq also criticised Jammu and Kashmir's union territory status as a bottleneck to real governance.
"Jammu and Kashmir is vast, not just in land but in its layered culture. Governing it under the limited framework of a union territory is like trying to fly a kite without wind," he said.
Governing it under the limited framework of a union territory is like trying to fly a kite without wind.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shah's take on English is his personal view: EPS
Coimbatore: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday said Union home minister Amit Shah's remark that a time would come when English speakers would feel embarrassed was his personal view. "Everyone has their own opinion. What he said was his personal view. He had, at the same time, emphasised on the importance of the mother tongue. Shah pointed out that some people are giving more importance to English than to their native language." Speaking to the media at the city airport, EPS said the public anger against the DMK was growing and that an anti-people govt was governing Tamil Nadu. "To divert attention from this, they are spreading 'derogatory' cartoons. The people would deliver appropriate punishment in the 2026 assembly elections." When asked about International Yoga Day , he said, "Yoga is essential for physical health and the Prime Minister is promoting it, for which he deserves congratulations."
Time of India
28 minutes ago
- Time of India
Announcement on defence equipment factory in Salem soon, says union minister H D Kumaraswamy
Salem: Union steel and heavy industries minister H D Kumaraswamy on Saturday said an announcement regarding the establishment of a defence equipment manufacturing factory on the premises of Salem Steel Plant would be made soon. "The proposal is currently in the early stages of discussion. A formal announcement in this regard will be made in the next four to five months," he said after attending the International Yoga Day celebrations at the Salem Steel Plant, where he did various yoga asanas along with the plant officials, members of trade unions and employees. Addressing the media, he commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting yoga across the globe and inspiring people. He said efforts were on to revitalize the Salem Steel Plant on the technical and marketing fronts. "In the 2003-2004 financial year, the plant was profitable. However, the profitability has since declined. The primary goal is to redevelop the plant and restore its profitability by developing various new products." Referring to the one nation, one election policy, Kumaraswamy said the BJP was not fostering division, but promoting unity within the country. "The BJP's goal is to strengthen its presence in Tamil Nadu, and the party is actively working to achieve this goal. Hence, some regional parties are criticizing the BJP." On Friday, the Union minister had planted a sapling on the Salem Steel Plant premises and toured the entire facility. He had also met the representatives of labour unions and promised to address their concerns.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Minister instructs officials to expedite land acquisition and railway projects in Hassan
Hassan: Union minister of state for railways and Jal Shakthi, V Somanna, instructed authorities to acquire 503 acres of land for the Belur-Hassan railway line and transfer it to the railways within a month. At a meeting at the deputy commissioner's office with officials from the railway, KPTCL, RITES, and the revenue department on Friday, Somanna emphasised that railway officials should take greater responsibility and float tenders to complete the project within two years. KPTCL officials were directed to complete work related to power lines and substations within the stipulated time. He also instructed that measures be taken to resolve the landslide issue on the railway route in the Sakleshpur area within four months. Officials were instructed to complete modernisation works at the Arasikere railway station at a cost of Rs 34 crore, Hassan railway station at Rs 22 crore, and Sakleshpur railway station at Rs 26 crore within the stipulated time. MP Shreyas Patel suggested providing an additional passenger train from Arasikere to Mysuru and a new railway line from Dudda to Tiptur for public convenience. He also requested the minister to provide basic facilities and modernise the dilapidated Kadur and Birur stations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo MLA CN Balakrishna requested the minister to allow the Hassan-Solapur Express train to stop at Shravanabelagola, Channarayapatna, and Hirisave. He also mentioned that running a train to Mumbai three times a week would benefit the people of Channarayapatna taluk. He stressed the need for maintenance to prevent waterlogging in the underpasses at Gadde Bindenahalli, Bekka, Bookanabetta, and Channarayapatna during the rainy season. MLA Manjunath requested the minister to provide basic facilities and modernise the Alur railway station. MLA HK Suresh appealed for double compensation for farmers during land acquisition for railway development projects. SP Mohammad Sujeetha and ZP CEO BR Poornima were present.
