‘If promises go unfulfilled...': Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah signals reassessment of his govt’s relation with Centre

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has signaled a potential reassessment of his government’s relationship with the Centre, “if promises made by the Modi government go unfulfilled.”

In an interview with BBC, he emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir benefit from the government’s assurances, but also made it clear that the patience of the J&K’s leadership is not indefinite.

The Chief Minister addressed concerns regarding his perceived approach towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government, asserting that in the early stages of his tenure, it was vital to foster a cooperative relationship with the Centre.

“At least in the opening few months of my government I owe it to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to try and establish a good working relationship with the government of India. If that fails to deliver on the promises that the government of India has made to us, we would relook at it,” he said.

Omar’s dad and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has time and again stressed the importance of cooperation between the Centre and the Jammu and Kashmir government, saying both have to work together instead of engaging in conflicts.

On the contentious issue of Article 370, which was revoked by the Center in August 2019, Omar was firm in his stance, expressing that he had not given up on the fight for its restoration.

“We would not have passed a resolution in the Assembly asking for the special status of Jammu and Kashmir to be restored and constitutional guarantees be brought back as well.”

However, he acknowledged that, under Modi’s leadership, the restoration of Article 370 was currently unrealistic. “Till the time Narendra Modi is prime minister, it is not possible to see that Article 370 is restored,” he said.

The Abdullah scion also clarified that maintaining a good working relationship with the Centre should not be misconstrued as an alliance with the BJP. “Working in a congenial relationship is not something that should be mistaken for friendship or alliance,” he said.

Omar was referring to media reports about his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the backdrop of the reports that NC President Farooq Abdullah has been “working out some political alliance with the BJP.”

When asked about advising the government of India to establish a working relationship with Pakistan, he explained, “At the moment, there is no scope for that, especially given the recent attacks on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.”

On concerns about dissent within his own party, particularly regarding the divergent views of National Conference (NC) MP Aga Ruhullah, Omar said, “I believe a political party must give space for differences of opinion.”

He also stressed the importance of democracy, where the people have the freedom to choose a better leader.