Restore J&K’s statehood 'as soon as possible', says Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reiterated that the Union Territory must be granted statehood 'as soon as possible', citing the Supreme Court’s directive in the Article 370 case and urging the Centre to act without further delay.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called for the immediate restoration of statehood to the Union Territory, stating that significant time has passed since the Supreme Court advised the Centre to act swiftly on the matter.

“When the court gave its ruling in the Article 370 case, there were two important aspects,” Abdullah told reporters during the National Tribal Festival in Gurez, north Kashmir. “One was related to elections — that they should be conducted within a timeframe. The other was statehood. The court clearly said statehood should be restored as soon as possible.”

“Now, a lot of time has passed since then. We want Jammu and Kashmir to become a state again as soon as possible,” he added.

Referring to the tribal festival, Abdullah said such events promote cultural exchanges.

"I hope more people will like to visit Gurez after this festival. The people got an opportunity, people from Gujarat a Tamil Nadu came here, and they also got an opportunity for the first time to see the culture of a different area. This is the benefit of such festivals, we get to know about different cultures and cuisines that a big country like India has to offer," he added.

To a question about promoting border tourism, Abdullah said that when the borders remain calm, the government will itself push for border tourism.

We want tourism to increase in areas like Gurez, Tangdhar Keran and Machil. Similarly, border tourism will be promoted in Jammu as well. This is a way to reduce unemployment in these areas and improve the economy of the people, the chief minister said.

Tribal groups from different regions of the country showcased their vibrant cultures at the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said, "Our tribal communities are the living soul of India's cultural diversity. Festivals like these strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual respect across regions."

Earlier, the chief minister flagged off rafting in the Kishanganga river in the Gurez valley.

He said with nature as its playground, Gurez is set to become a premier destination for adventure seekers.

Abdullah also held a public interaction at the Dawar area of Gurez, where he listened to the concerns put forth by residents and assured their redressal.