Omar Abdullah Reiterates Demand for Early Statehood; Reviews Developmental Scenario in Kulgam and Anantnag

Kulgam/Anantnag : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday reaffirmed his demand for early restoration of the Union Territory’s statehood, stating that returning full powers to an elected government would enable it to deliver on promises made to the people during last year’s Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters after chairing a review meeting in Kulgam district, Abdullah said, “We had expected that the Centre would fulfil the commitment made on the floor of Parliament and reiterated before the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Since that has not happened, we will continue to press for it.”

He said statehood would empower the government to frame business rules, appoint an Advocate General, and reclaim administrative authority that currently remains under the Centre’s control. “Let the statehood come, then the relation between the State and the Centre will improve. But as long as we have been kept devoid of it, some gap is unavoidable. However, if it happens in the second year of our rule, it will be a welcome step,” Abdullah remarked.

On being asked about PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s reported conditions for supporting the government in the Rajya Sabha elections, the Chief Minister said that his administration would not interfere in legislative procedures. “It is the Speaker who decides which bill can be brought up in the Assembly and which cannot. My government will not become a hurdle in any bill that benefits the people. But there is a due procedure to follow. Whichever bill is good for the people, we will surely support those,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also responded to queries about the government completing one year in office. “It is not the last year of this regime. Four years are still left. The work we have done is before the people. We had put forth an agenda of five years, and we will present our report after the term ends. People will then judge our performance,” he said.

After his engagements in Kulgam, the Chief Minister chaired a comprehensive district-level review meeting in Anantnag to assess the developmental scenario, ongoing projects, and implementation of government schemes. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Dar, and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, DDC Chairperson Anantnag, and legislators Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed, G.A. Mir, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Abdul Majeed Bhat, Zaffar Ali Khatana, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, and Reyaz A. Khan.

In the meeting, Abdullah directed departments to accelerate the pace of works under District CAPEX 2025–26, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, and other flagship programmes. He stressed the importance of ensuring full utilisation of funds within stipulated timelines and preventing lapsing of allocations. “All core sectors — healthcare, education, tourism, and horticulture — must be strengthened to create livelihood opportunities and stimulate economic growth,” he said.

The Chief Minister emphasized inter-departmental coordination and periodic monitoring, instructing officials to hold fortnightly reviews to track progress. Highlighting the importance of the SASCI scheme, Abdullah said, “There is a big responsibility on us under SASCI. We must ensure full expenditure of the funds received by December to secure the next instalment. No SASCI project should suffer due to delays.”

He assured legislators that all public demands raised during the meeting would be duly considered and addressed. “As we have done in the past year, we will continue to take up and execute as many developmental works as possible in the coming year,” he added.

During the visit, the Chief Minister also e-inaugurated the newly constructed Tehsil Office Building at Shangus and dedicated it to the public, terming it a step toward improving governance and accessibility.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, speaking at the event, said the government remains committed to reviving the historic Durbar Move tradition. “The National Conference manifesto had promised to reintroduce the Durbar Move. This practice, initiated during the Maharaja’s time, symbolizes unity and brotherhood. It will help strengthen our social fabric and bridge the distances that were created over the years,” he said.

Senior Congress leader and MLA Dooru and AICC Gen Sec , Ghulam Ahmad Mir, also participated in the review meeting and appreciated the Chief Minister’s focus on accelerating developmental works. He called for better monitoring of ongoing schemes to ensure timely benefits to the people.On bihar upcoming elections said people of Bihar have already decided to remove the government that has been in power for 20 years and has failed to deliver.”

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader M.Y. Tarigami reiterated his support for the alliance partners, stating, “We are with them. We will support a secular India that addresses the issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in Parliament.”

As the Omar Abdullah-led government completes its first year in office, it continues to focus on restoration of statehood, transparent governance, and fast-tracked development across Jammu and Kashmir reaffirming its commitment to stability, progress, and people-centric administration.