SRINAGAR, Dec 6: Omar Abdullah, the Vice President of the National Conference, criticized the BJP government, stating that the abrogation of Article 370 has damaged the bond between Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of India. Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks in Parliament, Abdullah highlighted that the people in the region were not pleased with the decision to revoke the special status of the erstwhile state.
Abdullah emphasized that the promises made to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 were not individual commitments but commitments made by the entire country. He asserted that the bond was not between an individual in Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir but a connection between the entire nation and the state. Abdullah expressed his disagreement with the government’s actions on August 5, 2019, and stated that the people in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are not happy with those decisions.
Speaking to reporters in Pulwama, Abdullah predicted that the people would demonstrate their discontent with these decisions in the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He cited the recent results in Kargil (LAHDC polls) and DDC (District Development Council) polls as evidence of the dissatisfaction among the people.
Abdullah raised concerns about the delay in holding assembly elections in the Union territory, stating that it was leading Jammu and Kashmir on a path to destruction. He criticized the apparent lack of resolution on this issue, with the government and the Election Commission passing responsibility back and forth.
Regarding a debate in Parliament on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, Amit Shah had asserted that the Narendra Modi government ensured one flag and one Constitution for the country. Responding to a controversy over a “gaumutra” comment made by a DMK leader, Abdullah urged respect for religious beliefs and cautioned against making remarks that could hurt anyone’s religious feelings.
On the Congress’s recent defeat in assembly polls, Abdullah mentioned that the opposition bloc INDIA did not participate, and a meeting has been called on December 16 to discuss the preparation of the INDIA alliance for parliamentary polls. He indicated a willingness to reevaluate the alliance and consider whether any mistakes were made by the Congress.
