Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized on Wednesday that people’s cooperation is essential to eliminating militancy in the region and reiterated his party’s commitment to the restoration of Statehood. Speaking to the media outside the Assembly after the conclusion of a 21-day Budget Session, Omar addressed a wide range of political and security concerns currently dominating the Union Territory.
🔥 “Terrorism Was at Its Lowest in 2014”
“The Government I was part of never tolerated terrorism. When we left office in 2014, militancy was reduced to just two-and-a-half districts,” Omar stated, referring to his tenure in the NC-Congress alliance government.
He added that the zero-tolerance policy against terrorism had shown positive outcomes and that the revival of public engagement was necessary to completely wipe out remaining militant threats.
🤝 “People Must Be Taken Along”
Responding to Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent zero-tolerance directive, Omar echoed the sentiment but stressed:
“Without the cooperation of the people, we cannot succeed. In this fight, elected representatives and citizens must be actively involved.”
🏛️ Statehood: A Promised Right
Omar reiterated that the restoration of Statehood remains a non-negotiable demand:
“This is our constitutional right. The Centre has promised it, and we hope the process will begin soon.”
⚖️ Waqf Amendment Act Sparks Outrage
The National Conference (NC) leader also defended his party’s strong opposition in the Assembly over the Waqf Amendment Act, claiming it had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim majority in the region.
“Our MLAs wanted to express this pain inside the House. Since they weren’t allowed, we will raise our voice outside the Assembly as well,” he said, promising more clarity on the party’s future course of action.
🎯 Jibes at PDP, People’s Conference
Taking sharp aim at rival parties, Omar accused the PDP and People’s Conference of being responsible for Kashmir’s political crisis:
“Those who once sat in BJP’s lap are now pointing fingers at me. They misled the youth and took them to the Home Minister’s events with toffees and cricket bats. Today, we are paying the price for their misdeeds.”
📸 On Viral Photo with Minister Rijiju
Omar also addressed a controversy over a viral picture taken with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden in Srinagar:
“It was pure coincidence. He wanted a photo; I couldn’t have been rude. Now those who brought BJP into Kashmir are trying to use this against me.”
🌐 Free Trade, Global Policies, and the US-China Shift
In a surprising segue, the former CM also touched on global trade politics, criticizing the protectionist policies adopted by the United States.
“America, once a champion of free trade, is now behaving like China. Meanwhile, China is promoting free trade. This reversal is strange and potentially harmful to global economic stability.”
Recalling his time in the Vajpayee-led NDA government, Omar said:
“Back then, the US was the strongest voice against import restrictions. Today, they are the ones imposing them.”
🕊️ On India-China Relations
Omar said peace with China is welcome, but it must include territorial acknowledgment:
“If China accepts that Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh are integral parts of India, it would be a great step forward.”
